The challenges facing university graduates do not end when they earn their academic degrees. Amid environmental problems and the rapid flow of information, the ability to use knowledge responsibly is just as important.
In his address at UNNES’s 143rd Graduation Ceremony, held at the Prof. Wuryanto Building on Saturday, October 17, Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., emphasized that scientific knowledge must be accompanied by responsibility in its application.
The Rector reminded graduates that an academic degree carries social responsibilities and reflects scholarly competence that must continue to be developed. Therefore, university graduates are expected to think, speak, and act based on the knowledge and academic values they have acquired throughout their studies.
According to him, this responsibility must be reflected in everyday life. Knowledge should not remain merely theoretical or serve as a source of personal pride; instead, it should be applied to bring benefits to others.
“Ilmu itu kelakone kanthi laku,” meaning that knowledge is realized through action, was one of the key messages the Rector conveyed to the graduates.
He then invited graduates to pay attention to current environmental problems, including forest fires and fires in several areas, such as Semarang, which have occurred amid a prolonged dry season.
These incidents have caused various forms of damage, ranging from the destruction of forest vegetation and increased carbon emissions to damage to peatland ecosystems.
The Rector encouraged the public not merely to view fires as disasters but also to use them as an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature. He questioned whether this relationship had been maintained harmoniously or had instead tended toward exploitation.
Environmental awareness is one of the essential values that should accompany scientific knowledge. Graduates are expected to use their academic backgrounds to understand the issues around them and contribute in ways appropriate to their respective fields of expertise and capacities.
In addition to ecological concerns, the Rector highlighted the importance of exercising discernment when receiving and sharing information. According to him, educated individuals must be able to distinguish valid and trustworthy sources from rumors, gossip, and information whose accuracy has not been established.
This ability also involves recognizing which information is appropriate to publish and which should not be circulated. In this way, higher education does not merely develop intellectual abilities but also fosters responsibility in using knowledge and communicating information to others.
The Rector also reminded graduates that everyone has the opportunity to make a positive contribution without necessarily being the most prominent person. He illustrated this principle by encouraging graduates to continue providing direction and guidance to others.
“If we cannot be the moon, then let us be stars that can provide direction and guidance to others,” he said.
UNNES’s 143rd Graduation Ceremony was attended by 1,500 graduates from various educational levels, comprising 32 doctoral graduates, 91 master’s graduates, one professional program graduate, 1,344 bachelor’s graduates, and 32 diploma graduates.
Through this graduation ceremony, the graduates embark on a new stage of life, each facing different choices and challenges. The education they have received is expected to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning, responsible conduct, and meaningful contributions toward addressing various issues in society.
Source: https://unnes.ac.id/ilmu-bukan-sekadar-gelar-rektor-unnes-tekankan-tanggung-jawab-lulusan/
