UNU Yogyakarta Marks 9th Anniversary, Enters Consolidation Phase to Strengthen Its Accelerated Growth

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) commemorated its 9th anniversary by marking a new phase of consolidation aimed at reinforcing the achievements of its earlier years and sustaining its accelerating development.

The milestone was highlighted during the “Thanksgiving Ceremony for the 9th Anniversary of UNU Yogyakarta,” held at the hall of the university’s Integrated Campus on Wednesday, March 11. The event celebrated nine years since the university was officially established on March 10, 2017.

Muhammad Najib Azca, Secretary-General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and Daily Chair of the Executing Agency Board (BPP) of UNU Jogja, said the university has passed through three significant phases in its institutional development.

He described the first period as mbabat alas—a Javanese expression referring to the pioneering effort of opening and clearing a forest to build a new settlement.

“In the first period, under the leadership of Pak Purwo Santoso, UNU Jogja emerged as a new institution in a city known as both a center of education and culture. The kiai and nyai seemed to feel it was incomplete for NU not to have a university in this city,” Najib said.

During the second phase, Rector Widya Priyahita continued the university’s development with an acceleration agenda. One notable achievement was the establishment of international collaborations, particularly with the United Arab Emirates to develop the College for Futures Studies and with GEM Co. Ltd from China to establish the Faculty of Future Metallurgy.

“These achievements were certainly not easy. They required hard work, smart strategies, and strong collective efforts that deserve our appreciation,” he added.

Now, as it celebrates its ninth anniversary, UNU Jogja is entering a new phase under Acting Rector Fahmy Akbar Idries. Najib said the consolidation stage will focus on strengthening existing foundations.

“We are entering a new phase—consolidation—aimed at organizing and refining what has already been built so that the acceleration achieved so far can stand on a stronger foundation,” he said.

Earlier, Acting Rector Fahmy Akbar Idries outlined several strategic priorities for the university’s development. First, he emphasized the importance of positioning UNU Jogja as a leading university. Second, the institution must maintain sound financial health. Third, the university will pursue creative funding strategies while continuing to safeguard existing flagship programs.

“I adopt the motto of Gus Yahya (PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf): words must become work, work must produce tangible results, and real work must have measurable outcomes and sustainability,” Fahmy said.

Speaking virtually from the United Kingdom, Widya Priyahita Pudjibudojo, Rector of UNU Jogja for the 2022–2026 period, expressed gratitude to the entire academic community and extended family of the university. She voiced optimism that the institution would continue to grow and thrive.

“Congratulations on your new role, Pak Fahmy. I am confident that under your leadership and the new team, UNU Jogja will move forward, bringing greater benefit and blessings in the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, KH Ahmad Zuhdi Muhdlor, Chair of the Tanfidziyah Board of Nahdlatul Ulama for the Special Region of Yogyakarta (PWNU DIY), reaffirmed the organization’s continued support for the university. He also expressed hope that the university’s leaders would be granted strength, patience, and wisdom while upholding the principles of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah and the values of moderate Islam (wasathiyah).

“The collaborations that UNU Jogja has established must be maintained and should not disappoint its partners,” he said.

The thanksgiving ceremony also included the submission of the accountability report for the 2022–2026 leadership period, expressions of appreciation for university leaders, and the traditional cutting of tumpeng. The event concluded with a khotmil Quran prayer led by KH Mas’ud Masduki, Rais Syuriah of PWNU DIY, followed by a communal iftar attended by the university’s academic community and invited guests. [Arif]