JAKARTA – Graduation marks both the culmination of an academic phase and the beginning of greater societal responsibility. Beyond this milestone, graduates step into a challenging world defined by rapid technological shifts, open competition, and evolving public needs.

These remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Wamendes PDT) Ahmad Riza Patria during his address at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Commencement Ceremony of Universitas Madani Nusantara (UMN), held at the Anton Soedjarwo Building, Sukabumi, on Saturday (October 31, 2026).

"Therefore, I wish to impart three core messages to the graduates. First, strengthen your knowledge and competence. Your academic degree must serve as a foundation for continuous learning. Never cease reading, innovating, or adapting to change," Deputy Minister Ariza stated.

Second, safeguard your integrity and character. While intellect opens doors of opportunity, character determines how those opportunities are utilized. Be honest, disciplined, responsible, and trustworthy.

Third, generate meaningful value for others. Deputy Minister Ariza cited the Prophet Muhammad’s teaching: “Khairunnas anfa’uhum linnas”—the best among people are those who bring the greatest benefit to others.

"This is the true measure of our success. It is defined not merely by the height of the positions we achieve, but by the magnitude of positive impact we deliver," Deputy Minister Ariza added.

He reminded graduates to remain mindful of rural communities that require their expertise, energy, and advocacy, urging UMN alumni to return to villages to drive development—emphasizing that progress is not measured solely by urban skyscrapers.

"True national progress must also be reflected in rural children obtaining quality education, prosperous farmers, thriving MSMEs, and communities in disadvantaged regions securing access to basic services and economic opportunities," Deputy Minister Ariza noted.

Across Indonesia’s 75,266 villages lie immense potential in food security, natural resources, cultural heritage, creativity, and communal solidarity (gotong royong). President Prabowo Subianto's administration has prioritized building from the villages and grassroots as a core mechanism to achieve economic equity and public welfare.

Achieving rural progress requires multi-stakeholder collaboration. Government efforts must be complemented by academic innovation, private sector economic opportunities, youth-driven technological creativity, and active community participation.

"I invite Universitas Madani Nusantara and all graduates to become 'Friends of the Village' (Sahabat Desa)—contributing actionable ideas, working alongside communities, and developing local potential to build advanced, self-reliant, and prosperous villages," Deputy Minister Ariza stated.

Deputy Minister Ariza highlighted President Prabowo's policy focus on grassroots populations, including the Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) program benefiting 62 million recipients, the rollout of tens of thousands of Red and White Village Cooperatives, and the establishment of 265 People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat).

Furthermore, he noted government interventions stabilizing agricultural farmgate purchasing prices—setting unhusked rice (gabah) at IDR 6,500 per kilogram and corn at IDR 5,500 per kilogram.

Additional national welfare initiatives include public housing construction, school infrastructure revitalization, healthcare facility development, alongside reduced costs for Hajj pilgrimages and domestic airfares.

"I congratulate all graduates of Universitas Madani Nusantara. May your knowledge serve as a guiding light, your steps drive progress, and your public service contribute to a developed, just, and prosperous Indonesia," Deputy Minister Ariza concluded.

Dignitaries attending the ceremony included Mayor of Sukabumi Ayep Zaki, Vice Regent of Sukabumi Andreas, Rector of UMN Endin Nasrudin, Kopertais Representative Rosihan Anwar, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Insan Cita Foundation Fathulloh Mansur.

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Author: Firman/Kemendes PDT