2025 Grand Alumni Reunion of the Faculty of Agriculture UNIB: A Celebration of Togetherness and Commitment to Growth

Bengkulu, July 6, 2025 – A warm and nostalgic atmosphere enveloped the lush green campus of the University of Bengkulu, particularly around the Faculty of Agriculture building, which served as the central venue for the 2025 Grand Alumni Reunion of the Faculty of Agriculture UNIB. The event gathered around 350 alumni, ranging from the pioneer class of 1982 to the 2017 cohort. Although the faculty has produced graduates up to the 2021 cohort, this reunion reflected the enduring strength of the alumni network and a deep sense of togetherness across generations.

Alumni traveled from various regions to attend this memorable gathering—not only from within Bengkulu Province but also from other parts of Sumatra and even from Java Island, reaffirming that distance is no barrier when it comes to rekindling ties and sharing memories.

The event began at 7:00 AM with a fun walk starting and ending at the Faculty of Agriculture building. The route passed through the scenic campus landscape, including the Lake of Knowledge (Danau Ilmu) and the Lake of Inspiration (Danau Inspirasi), continuing past the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, the Rectorate building, the former PGSD dormitory, and returning to the starting point. The walk was officially flagged off by the Chairman of the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association (IKAL), Ir. Arif Gunadi, M.Si.

Following the fun walk, participants joined a mass aerobics session, then moved on to a tree planting activity to promote environmental care. A total of 20 trees were planted at key campus locations: 5 around the Faculty of Agriculture, 5 near the Joint Lecture Hall 1 (GB1), and 10 in the area surrounding the Baitul Hikmah Mosque.

The “Temu Kangen” (Reunion Gathering) session marked the heart of the event. In his report, Dr. Ir. Suharyanto, S.Pt., M.Si., as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the reunion was not merely a social gathering, but also an opportunity to strengthen professional connections among alumni who are now spread across diverse fields, including academia, business, government, and community development.

Meanwhile, Ir. Arif Gunadi, M.Si., Chairman of IKAL, stated in his speech that the reunion was a starting point for building broader alumni synergy, particularly in support of the Faculty’s future development. He encouraged all alumni to remain united and proactive in contributing to the advancement of agriculture in Bengkulu Province.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Indra Cahyadinata, S.P., M.Si., highlighted the Faculty’s growth, noting that what started with only one undergraduate study program has now expanded to include 11 undergraduate programs (S1), 3 master’s programs (S2), and 2 doctoral programs (S3). He underscored that alumni support and contributions are essential to sustaining and advancing this development.

The event also featured an Alumni Talk, showcasing the inspiring stories of three prominent alumni: Prof. Dr. Ir. Alnopri, M.S., representing the oldest cohort and the academic sector, Edi Haryanto, S.P., representing entrepreneurship, and Dr. Nining, representing the public sector. Each shared their experiences and encouraged younger generations to remain proud of and committed to their alma mater.

Demonstrating their social responsibility, IKAL awarded scholarships to 38 outstanding students who are active in student organizations and come from underprivileged backgrounds. This act of generosity further signified the alumni’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and opportunity for all.

The excitement continued with the distribution of door prizes, with the grand prizes being two bicycles and a refrigerator, much to the delight of the attendees. Although light rain fell near the end of the event, it did not dampen the cheerful spirit. In fact, the rain added a sentimental touch to the occasion, which officially concluded at 3:00 PM.

The 2025 Grand Alumni Reunion of the Faculty of Agriculture UNIB was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful testament to enduring friendship, institutional pride, and a shared commitment to supporting the future of agriculture and education.