Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a flag ceremony to commemorate Pancasila Day. The ceremony, attended by thousands of members of the UGM academic community, took place at the Balairung UGM courtyard on Monday (1/6) and was led directly by UGM Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D.
In her address, the Rector reminded participants that Pancasila serves as the soul and guiding principle of life that plays an important role in uniting the nation. Carrying the theme “Pancasila as the Unifying Force of the Nation, the Foundation of World Peace,” she emphasized that the nation’s fundamental values should not become a tool for uniformity, but rather a foundation that strengthens unity amid the challenges of globalization, shifts in international geopolitics, and encounters with diverse ideological perspectives.
Universitas Gadjah Mada, which strengthens its identity as a Pancasila University, continues to contribute to the intellectual development of the nation through scientific advancement and character building among future generations. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives, including reaching out to affirmative regions classified as 3T (Terdepan, Terpencil, dan Terluar — Frontier, Remote, and Outermost Areas), providing open learning platforms, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. “Development without an ideological foundation will become fragile and may lead to inequality and dehumanization,” she stated.
Implementing Pancasila Values at FKG UGM
The Rector explained that the values of Pancasila must be implemented in everyday life to prevent social inequality. In the healthcare sector, efforts to reduce inequality are reflected through the availability of equitable access to medical services. In line with this commitment, the Faculty of Dentistry UGM (FKG UGM) continues to contribute to reducing the concentration of specialist dental services, which have historically been centered mainly on Java Island.
Through the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, FKG UGM regularly sends dental specialists to provide services for communities in various regions. Examples include services at H. Badaruddin Kasim Regional Hospital, Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan, on 28–29 November 2025, and Patut Patuh Patju Regional Hospital, West Lombok, on 17–21 November 2025. These outreach efforts support the realization of social justice by ensuring that communities across Indonesia have equal opportunities to access quality healthcare services.
At the regional level, efforts to improve quality of life and dental health among teachers have also received attention. FKG UGM, in collaboration with PT Haleon, organized a denture provision program for 170 teachers in Yogyakarta City on 26 May 2026. The teachers underwent clinical examinations, dental cleaning procedures, fillings, and extraction of remaining tooth roots. These stages were conducted as preparation for mass dental impressions in July and denture placement in August.
Meanwhile, support for strengthening the domestic healthcare industry continues to be encouraged to reduce dependence on imported products. By 2024, FKG UGM had successfully commercialized 15 products developed through collaboration with industry partners, including Gamacha, Cerrafold, Ceraspon, Clarisamin, Propagel, Dental Silkbon, Propasdent, Stem Rejuv, Berwyndent, Beauty Vamp, Corian D Lipbalm, Cinnacare Roll On Antibacterial, as well as devices such as Gama Dentical XR, LIQUIVERN UA-6, and Inovia.
Amid global efforts toward environmentally friendly dental practices, researchers at the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) have successfully developed a natural fiber-based dental filling material using Wajo silk fibers. The innovation, named Dental Silkbon, represents a concrete step toward utilizing sustainable dental materials derived from Indonesia’s local resources.
Dental Silkbon is a healthcare material developed from silk cocoon fibers of the Wajo silkworm (Bombyx mori), based on research conducted by Prof. Dr. drg. Siti Sunarintyas, M.Kes. The utilization of local materials as reinforcement for dental filling materials, which can reduce production costs, aligns with the principle of national unity by strengthening domestic resilience. The product is designed as a reinforcement material to improve the strength and durability of dental fillings compared with conventional composite resin. In addition to large restorations, this material can also be used for orthodontic retainers, splinting procedures, and prosthodontic applications.
Beyond its mechanical advantages, Dental Silkbon is also considered more economical. Its price is estimated to be only half that of comparable imported products because all components are sourced domestically. “This product is environmentally friendly, more affordable, and strengthens the independence of the domestic dental industry,” explained Prof. Narin.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
