Forty years ago, they came to this campus as students. Today, although they are now alumni, the spirit of service among the 1986 graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) appears to have never aged.
The FKG UGM Class of 1986 celebrated its 40-year reunion on Thursday, 30 April 2026. The alumni marked the occasion by organizing community service activities and providing academic financial assistance for students.
The event coordinator, drg. Kris Budi Hudiyoko, Sp.Ort., together with fellow alumni, conducted health education activities at SD Muhammadiyah Dadapan in Sleman. The group of dentists educated students, guided a mass toothbrushing session, and provided topical fluoride applications to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental caries.
“Our reunions always carry a social mission. We have maintained this tradition for years so that alumni gatherings always provide benefits to the community,” said drg. Kris.
After the activities, the alumni visited FKG UGM to observe the latest developments on campus. They also provided educational financial assistance for clinical students to help ease the burden of completing their education.
“Currently, around 80 to 85 percent of the Class of 1986 alumni are still practicing as clinical dentists in hospitals, community health centers, or private practices. Around 10 percent hold managerial and structural positions, while the rest have chosen entrepreneurial careers,” he added.
This gathering successfully brought together 75 out of the 115 graduates from the Class of 1986. Most of these alumni are still actively working and providing clinical services in healthcare facilities spread across Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. This condition reflects the concentration of healthcare services in western Indonesia while also highlighting the challenges of equal distribution in eastern Indonesia.
The faculty highly appreciated the initiative and contributions of the Class of 1986 alumni. The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MDSc., Ph.D., stated that the alumni’s efforts strongly align with the institution’s current commitment.
During the occasion, drg. Trianna expressed gratitude for the alumni’s time and attention in still being willing to “visit” the FKG UGM campus.
She further explained that FKG UGM continues striving to improve the distribution of dental healthcare professionals across Indonesia. The faculty plans to implement cooperation schemes with regional governments through programs that deploy specialist dentists and/or residents to areas in need.
“So, if your workplace requires healthcare professionals, we can send residents to assist there,” Trianna concluded.
Report: Andri Wicaksono
Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
