On September 7, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Brawijaya (FT UB) held the opening of KRIDA 2024 at the UB Auditorium. This event was an orientation for new students to build strong, excellent, and high-achieving characters.

The event featured various speakers from government agencies, the police, the military, and internal campus representatives, providing valuable insights to the students.

Opening the event, Prof. Ir. Hadi Suyono, S.T., MT., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., the Dean of FT UB, emphasized in his speech how KRIDA Engineering should cultivate FTUB students’ characters to be resilient and virtuous, highlighting the crucial role of technology in modern life.

“At the Faculty of Engineering, you will hone various abilities, both hard and soft skills, to face the uncertainty of the future,” said the Professor of Power System Engineering & Artificial Intelligence.

He also outlined the character-building activities that the new students of FT UB will go through, including the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB), KRIDA Engineering, and the Student Work Camp (KKM).

He stressed that technology must continue to be developed to become stronger and more innovative. Still, behind the convenience of technology, there are potential risks of crime that need to be watched for.

The Director General of Housing at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing Republic of Indonesia (PUPR RI) and Chairman of the FT Alumni Association (IKA FT), Ir. Iwan Suprijanto, ST., MT., FIDSK., IPU., QRDGP., CRGP., also delivered a presentation on student character development. His speech emphasized the importance of courage, creativity, and unique communication skills.

“Students must be brave, creative, and possess unique communication skills. But above all, ethics are the most important, because without ethics, success will not be achieved,” he stated.

Lowokwaru Police Chief, Anton Widodo, S.H., M.H., also attended as a speaker, discussing intolerance. He stressed the importance of maintaining harmony and unity amidst the existing diversity, especially within the campus environment. Students were urged to be vigilant against the potential for radicalism and conflicts that could divide unity.

Nationalism was also one of the key topics presented by the Deputy Commander of the Air Defense Artillery Education Center, Colonel Arhanud Tri Sugiyanto, S.Sos. In this session, Colonel Tri Sugiyanto encouraged students to understand and apply national values, especially tolerance in practicing unity in diversity in daily life.

“Let us join the fight by maintaining unity and understanding the history of our nation’s struggle. No matter your religion or ethnicity, if you do something good for everyone, people will never question your faith,” he concluded, quoting Gus Dur, the 4th President of Indonesia.

Endang Suci Suyadi, leading the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of UB, along with the Secretary of the Health, Psychology, and Counseling Service Unit (ULKPKS) of FT UB, Dr. Eng. Ir. Christina Wahyu K., S.T., M.T., also shared insights with the new students regarding the importance of maintaining mental and physical health throughout their studies.

“Don’t be afraid or hesitant to seek help if you face problems, so you can stay focused on achieving academic success,” Endang remarked.

She also emphasized the important role students play in supporting both academic and non-academic success while maintaining a balance between campus and personal life. KRIDA Teknik serves as a vital preparation for new students, equipping them to face the challenges of university life with strong character, creativity, and high ethical standards. (mic)