Amidst demanding academic schedules, students must maintain life balance—not only excelling academically but also preserving mental and social well-being. Non-academic activities such as sports and arts provide an effective way to relieve pressure while building healthy social connections.
Burnout has become an increasingly relevant issue among students. A study by the American College Health Association (2023) reported that more than 60% of students experience stress impacting their mental health, with 34% stating they feel emotionally overwhelmed. Meanwhile, a 2022 study by Universitas Gadjah Mada revealed that around 40% of students on campus show symptoms of mental fatigue caused by excessive academic pressure.
Addressing this challenge, FKG UGM students held IDENTIC 2025 on Sunday, 25 May 2025, as an evening of appreciation and creativity. The event marked the peak of PRASASTI, an annual competition series that began in mid-April, featuring contests in sports and arts such as mini soccer, volleyball, basketball, chess, vocals, dance, and console games FIFA and Mobile Legends.
After all competitions concluded and winners were determined, IDENTIC became the highlight event to celebrate achievements while strengthening student solidarity. The evening also featured a band competition with participation from five student bands.
Event chair Alifsyah Gerry Biantoro explained that this series of activities serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents and interests. “From these competitions, we can see students’ abilities in sports and arts, especially in music. It also serves as a medium to strengthen relationships among the academic community at FKG UGM,” he said.
Meanwhile, drg. Muhammad Fadyl Yunizar, M.P.H., Ph.D., Head of Student Affairs Unit at FKG UGM, emphasized that this activity is also a way to discover talented students who can compete at the university level. “I hope the winners from this competition can represent FKG UGM in Porsenigama. Let’s show that dental students can also compete beyond academics,” he stated.
IDENTIC 2025 was held festively and well-organized in the courtyard of the Dental Learning Center. The evening served as an appreciation event for the competition winners as well as a celebration of the participants’ enthusiasm throughout the contests. The atmosphere became even livelier with performances from five student bands, creating an entertaining vibe. The audience’s enthusiasm was evident through lively interactions, cheers, and applause throughout the event.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
