The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has once again introduced a new jingle as part of its annual tradition of welcoming new students through the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB).

This year’s jingle, titled “Gala Sanskara”, was written by Rachel Berlian Asmarawandya and Rima Gracia Marbun. The song was performed during the opening of PKKMB FISIP on Thursday (August 13, 2026), at the FISIP field on the Sekaran campus, Gunungpati, Semarang.

Deftian Mahendra, a student of the History Science Study Program, performed the song in front of hundreds of new students. His performance became one of the highlights of the opening ceremony, introducing the values and spirit that FISIP seeks to instill in its new students.

In terms of its message, “Gala Sanskara” continues to carry themes that have characterized FISIP’s PKKMB jingles in previous years, particularly solidarity, caring for others, courage to act, and the commitment to make a positive impact.

“The message is not very different from previous years. The words are also quite similar. What makes this year different is mainly the musical atmosphere. This time, it is more contemporary, with elements of EDM,” Deftian said.

According to Deftian, one of the central messages of the song is to portray FISIP students as a light that illuminates the people and environment around them.

“What is emphasized most in this song is that FISIP students can become a light for those around them as a reflection of caring for others, while encouraging one another to continue creating an impact,” he said.

The message is introduced from the opening lines through a traditional Javanese nyinden-style vocal passage: “Sumunar, murub ing ati, sumunar dadi cahya, cahya tumrap sesami.” The lyrics can be interpreted as an invitation to let the light within oneself shine and become a source of light for others.

The song then moves into a story about new students beginning a new chapter of their lives. The first verse describes the morning sun, new steps, dreams, and the journey of learning at FISIP.

The chorus reinforces the spirit of togetherness through repeated calls to move forward and struggle together. Meanwhile, the rap section delivers the message in a more direct and contemporary style, emphasizing the courage to think, the courage to act, and the importance of making an impact.

The metaphor of the light returns in the bridge. The lyrics describe how students should support one another when their light begins to fade or when their steps become difficult.

“A lantern never shines only for itself, but exists to illuminate others,” is one of the central messages conveyed through “Gala Sanskara”.

FISIP Dean Prof. Arif Purnomo said the arrival of new students on campus marked the beginning of a process of transformation. University life, he said, should help students grow into individuals who are increasingly capable of thinking about their own future.

“Congratulations. Today marks the beginning of a process of metamorphosis into individuals who, at the very least, are able to think about their own future,” Arif said during the opening ceremony.

The enthusiasm of the new students was also evident from their experiences attending the opening ceremony. One of them was Rizky Fadlan Ashila, a new student in the Political Science Study Program.

Rizky said he had left his boarding house at around 5 a.m. to attend the event. Originally from Jakarta, he chose Political Science because of his interest in politics and his desire to deepen his understanding of the field.

PKKMB FISIP UNNES 2026 is being held over two days, August 13–14, 2026. The annual event serves not only as an introduction to the academic environment and campus life, but also as an opportunity for new students to learn about the values, culture, and identity of FISIP.

Through “Gala Sanskara”, those values are conveyed not only through lyrics but also through a contemporary musical arrangement that resonates with a new generation of students. The song’s metaphor of light reflects FISIP’s hope that its students will grow together, care for others, and ultimately make a meaningful contribution to the people and communities around them.