Yogyakarta, 21 December 2025 — Alumni of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) from various cohorts gathered for a reunion titled “Reuni Parkiran Waras”. The event brought together alumni from the classes of 1981 to 1993, who during their student years were known for spending much of their time together in the parking area of the FKG UGM campus.
One of the alumni, drg. Sutarto, Sp.BM, explained that the reunion was not based on a specific graduating class. “Those who attended are alumni who used to spend time together in the parking area. We rarely met in the library, but often discussed things and spent time in the parking lot, from morning until night,” he recalled.
According to drg. Sutarto, the strong sense of togetherness forged during those years created lasting bonds among alumni. Nearly every day, they gathered for hours, sometimes even until the next morning. These activities became an integral part of student life at FKG UGM at the time. Today, they have gone on to successful careers across Indonesia, contributing as dental professionals in various fields.
The Chair of KAKGIGAMA, drg. Endro Sucahyono, M.Kes, shared that the reunion stemmed from a longing to reconnect and relive the sense of camaraderie from their student days. After graduation, alumni dispersed across regions, including outside Java, resulting in long periods without communication. “In the past, there was no social media. Communication was almost nonexistent. Only recently did the idea emerge from the class of 1981 to reconnect and collaborate again,” he explained.
The reunion served as a moment of nostalgia, recalling stories filled with closeness and shared experiences. While spending time in the parking area may have seemed unconventional, it became a space for storytelling, games, and strengthening social bonds. These relationships, built during student years, later supported their professional lives as dentists. Social sensitivity and networks, surprisingly, emerged from the culture of a “small parking space,” providing valuable life lessons for dentists who now work as managers, clinicians, and researchers.
drg. Sutarto also noted that the strong sense of community was influenced by shared social backgrounds. “We lived simply, struggled with food, moved from one boarding house to another. That shared hardship strengthened our bond,” he said.
Regarding contributions to the alma mater, drg. Sutarto explained that the forum is informal and has no official organizational structure. “Around 40 alumni attended, from the classes of 1981 to 1993. There is no chairperson because this is not a formal organization. This is our first gathering after more than 30 years,” he added.
Nevertheless, alumni expressed hopes that the reunion would mark the beginning of improved communication in the future. They also encouraged FKG UGM to continue strengthening its presence in national forums. “We hope that faculty regeneration continues and that FKG UGM lecturers have the confidence to take active roles at the national and international levels, carrying the prestigious name of Universitas Gadjah Mada,” drg. Sutarto concluded.
The “Parkiran Waras” reunion is proof that togetherness built outside the classroom can leave a deep impression and last over time.
In her remarks, the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources of FKG UGM, drg. Margareta Rinastiti, M.Kes., Sp.KG., Subsp.KR(K)., Ph.D., stated that the alumni present represented an extraordinary generation. “The presence of FKG UGM alumni dentists today is a source of moral strength and an important network for the faculty,” said drg. Margareta, affectionately known as drg. Tita.
She further explained that in recent years, academic and research activities at the faculty have increased significantly. Each semester, faculty members and the academic community respond to numerous requests for research and scholarly development, including at the professional education level.
FKG UGM has also continued to strengthen student support through various scholarship schemes. In addition to internal university funding and support from KAKGIGAMA, the faculty collaborates with external partners to assist students in need through scholarships and additional financial aid.
An alumni representative also emphasized the importance of alumni contributions to community service, particularly in regions with limited access to dental healthcare. Alumni involvement is viewed as key to expanding networks and improving access to dental services in underserved areas.
In the field of innovation, FKG UGM reported notable international achievements, including recognition in the World University Ranking for Innovation 2025, with rankings of #8 in Industrial Applications, #25 in Culture/Values, and #29 in Technology Development and Application. These achievements are supported by ongoing advancements in applied technology and research.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Dental Learning Center (DLC) has also been recognized as a milestone in improving education and service quality. The facility supports student learning while serving as a collaborative space with alumni for academic and professional activities.
The “Parkiran Waras” Reunion Forum expressed hopes that communication and collaboration between alumni and FKG UGM would continue to grow. It is hoped that FKG UGM will continue to advance, remain competitive, and make tangible contributions to society.
Reporter & Photography: Dodi Hendro Wibowo, Writer: Andri Wicaksono
