Universitas Gadjah Mada held a welcome and farewell party for Board of Trustees management on Saturday (4/2) in Balairung.

The event was in relaxed atmosphere for members of periods 2002 - 2007 and 2007 -2012. Attending the event were former National Education Minister, Prof. Dr. Malik Fadjar as a member of year 2002-2007 and the poet, Taufiq Ismail, as a member of year 2007-2012.

Prof. Dr. Amien Rais, former Chairman of 2007-2012 period said that to be  Chairman of Board of Trustees has his own sweet memories of his life. He was very thankful when he served as Chairman, no conflicts among institutions at UGM. "During my life, my sweet memory is leading the Board of Trustees. There is no conflict, we are grateful for that. Whilst our partner, University of Indonesia, was experiencing a conflict, we had none," Amien said happily.

To the management of transitional Board chaired by Prof. Dr. Sofian Effendi, Amien firmly hoped that his colleagues could well lead the Board and the leadership succession process would run well and smoothly. "Incidentally, Mr. Sofian became Chairman, he was former Rector, so he already knows UGM well, so that UGM will run more smoothly and be conducive as planned," he expressed his hope.

Prof. Dr. Sofian Effendi, MPIA on the occasion expressed his gratitude for the trust given to lead the highest unit at UGM. "Everyone knows that our job is not simple. UGM should oversee the process of transition to a new autonomous college,” he said.

He wished that all academic community would work together to succeed in UGM’s transition. "I think this transition is not easy to pass. Indonesia's commitment in university management is the lowest so that university development is hampered, unable to catch up and left behind China. It could be soon left behind Vietnam if good management is not applied. Therefore, close cooperation between us is needed," he said.

Meanwhile, UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., PhD., in his speech said that UGM has made many advances in human resources whether for staff, students or faculty. Progress has also been made in the development of science in physical development and financial management. “All is achieved due to the support and assistance from Board of Trustees of 2007-2012 term of office," he concluded.