A total of 560 Maba (Mahasiswa Baru) of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISHUM), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, participated in the second day of the 2026 Academic and Student Culture Orientation (PBAK) at Convention Hall, 1st Floor, on Thursday (August 20, 2026). The faculty-level program provided students with an opportunity to become more familiar with FISHUM’s academic environment, student activities, and various opportunities for personal and professional development.

The program opened with remarks from the Dean of FISHUM, Prof. Dr. Erika Setyanti Kusumaputri, S.Psi., M.Si., who welcomed the freshmen as new members of the FISHUM academic community. Her remarks also marked the beginning of the students’ introduction to the faculty’s academic values, traditions, and expectations.

One of the highlights of the second day was a session with H. Ganjar Pranowo, S.H., M.I.P., a politician and former Governor of Central Java, who joined virtually from East Nusa Tenggara. Speaking to the freshmen, Ganjar emphasized that student organizations and campus activities should not merely complement academic life, but should serve as genuine spaces for learning and self-development.

He encouraged students to use their university experience to discover their potential, develop social awareness, and learn to take an active role in society. In particular, he called on the students to move beyond simply being present and instead make contributions that create meaningful impact.

The session developed into an interactive dialogue as several students raised questions about the characteristics of an ideal university student, ways to maintain collective spirit amid pressure, and the meaning of becoming an agent of change.

Responding to the questions, Ganjar stressed that academic achievement and social contribution should not be viewed as competing priorities. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining critical spaces and protecting personal integrity, particularly when students become involved in organizations and activism.

According to Ganjar, integrity is an essential safeguard for activists when they face pressure or tempting offers that may compromise their principles.

“Idealism is the only luxury an activist has,” Ganjar told the students.

To illustrate the meaning of being an agent of change, Ganjar also shared an experience from his tenure as Governor of Central Java. He recalled how a simple question concerning children from low-income families who were unable to attend school prompted him to move beyond discussion and pursue concrete action.

Following Ganjar Pranowo’s session, the program continued with a General Lecture, moderated by Moh. Nasiruddin, featuring two speakers from the FISHUM leadership.

Ambar Sari Dewi, S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development, presented the faculty’s efforts to improve and renew its accreditation. The presentation reflected FISHUM’s commitment to continuously strengthening the quality of its educational provision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rama Kertamukti, S.Sos., M.Sn., Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, introduced the freshmen to various opportunities available beyond the classroom. He also provided information on scholarship opportunities available at UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

The program concluded with an introduction to student organizations, which are expected to serve as important spaces for students’ personal growth and leadership development throughout their university years.

Representatives from the Student Associations of Psychology, Sociology, and Communication Studies, as well as the FISHUM Student Executive Council (DEMA) and Student Senate (SEMA), introduced their respective organizations and activities to the new students.

The introduction reinforced the message that student life at FISHUM extends beyond classroom learning. Through participation in student organizations, students have opportunities to strengthen their leadership, communication, teamwork, and social awareness.

The second day of PBAK FISHUM 2026 concluded by emphasizing the dual role of students as members of an academic community and as part of wider society. The freshmen are expected not only to develop academic competence during their studies, but also to become critical, socially aware, principled individuals who are willing to take an active role in addressing societal issues.

This message echoed Ganjar Pranowo’s earlier call to the students: to turn presence into contribution, and contribution into a legacy.