MAKASSAR – Hasanuddin University held a Fun Walk to close the series of events marking its 70th Dies Natalis (anniversary). Themed “7 Decades of Unhas: Impactful–Global,” the event served as a space for the academic community to strengthen togetherness and reaffirm their collective spirit in maintaining and expanding Unhas’s contribution to Indonesia and the world.
The event began with a leisurely walk joined by the Unhas academic community. From early morning, participants from across the Unhas family gathered and took part in the activities in a relaxed atmosphere. The occasion also gave the academic community a chance to interact outside their academic and institutional routines.
Dean of the Faculty of Forestry (Prof. Dr. Ir. A. Mujetahid M., S.Hut., M.P., IPU.), who chairs the committee for Unhas’s 70th Dies Natalis, explained that a relaxed social gathering is a tradition at every Dies Natalis. Through the Fun Walk, the spirit of “7 Decades of Unhas: Impactful–Global” took the form of togetherness that directly involved the academic community.
“We hope that spirit will be sustained as Unhas strengthens its contribution to Indonesia and expands its presence at the global level,” said Prof. Mujetahid.
Prof. Mujetahid also thanked the private-sector partners whose support made the entire series of Unhas’s 70th Dies Natalis events possible.
Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, accompanied by Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., sent the participants off to begin the walk. Also present was the Mayor of Makassar, Munafri Arifuddin. The presence of both figures carried a message about the importance of building a university through the strength of togetherness, close relationships, and the courage to drive innovation.
Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the strength of a university rests not only on academic achievement but also on the relationships built among all its elements. Amran therefore urged the Unhas academic community to maintain close ties while continuing to push innovation so that Unhas’s contribution grows ever wider.
“Make Unhas a shared home, strengthen friendship and innovation, and make Unhas ever stronger and active for Indonesia,” said Amran.
The message is relevant to Unhas’s journey, which has now reached seven decades. Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. also stressed the spirit of togetherness. The Rector urged the entire academic community to stay united and to build a sense of belonging to Unhas. That sense of belonging needs to grow together so that every element within the campus can play a role in safeguarding and developing the institution.
“Stay united, make Unhas a home for the Unhas academic community,” said Prof. JJ.
After the walk, the event continued with various activities involving participants. Live music was provided to liven the atmosphere, while more than 60 tenants filled the event area with a variety of offerings for participants.
Participants’ enthusiasm was further boosted by the draw of dozens of door prizes, ranging from Umrah packages and electric motorbikes to electronic devices. These activities made the Fun Walk more than a sporting event, but also a space for the Unhas family to interact and celebrate the institution’s seven-decade journey.
The Fun Walk began at 06:30 WITA (Central Indonesia Time) at the Rectorate Parking Area, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Saturday (12 September). (*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.