Rector Emphasizes Patriotic Spirit of Campus Community in 80th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony
Banjarmasin – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) held a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence at the ULM Banjarmasin campus on Sunday (August 17, 2025).
The ceremony took place solemnly, attended by the entire academic community, from lecturers and educational staff to students. The involvement of new students in the ceremony was a major highlight, as it was seen as a starting point for instilling patriotic and national values within the campus environment.
Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, SE., M.Sc., expressed his gratitude for the event. He emphasized the importance of the independence moment in igniting the fighting spirit of the entire campus community, especially new students.
“Firstly, we are grateful that today, together with the entire academic community of Lambung Mangkurat University, we can commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day,” he said.
The Rector hopes that this ceremony will serve as a reminder that independence is not merely celebrated as a ceremonial event, but also as a motivation to achieve the highest possible achievements.
“May the spirit of independence foster patriotism, motivation to fight, and the determination of ULM students to contribute to development towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” he emphasized.
The uniqueness of this year’s ceremony was evident in the use of traditional attire by some participants. Students and lecturers wore traditional clothing from their respective regions of origin, creating a colorful and diverse celebratory atmosphere. According to the Rector, this aligns with the theme of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), which reflects unity in diversity.
“This reflects the beauty of togetherness, despite our different backgrounds. The use of traditional attire is also a new breakthrough that should be continued in the years to come,” he added.
Through this activity, ULM affirms its commitment as a higher education institution that not only focuses on the development of knowledge but also plays an active role in shaping the character of the younger generation. The independence ceremony, which involved new students, is a concrete manifestation of the development of national character from an early age on campus.
With a combination of solemn atmosphere and nuances of diversity, the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at ULM is expected to be able to foster collective awareness of the entire academic community to continue to maintain unity, instill patriotism, and foster a fighting spirit towards a more advanced future for the nation.
