Mataram, University of Mataram — The University of Mataram (Unram) graduated 2,323 students as part of its September 2026 Graduation Ceremony, held over two days, September 23–24, 2026, at the M. Yusuf Abu Bakar Auditorium.

Rector of Unram, Prof. Dr. Sukardi, M.Pd., said that graduation is not only a celebration of students’ success in completing their education, but also a reflection of the efforts and sacrifices of the parents and families who supported them throughout their educational journey.

“The degrees our children receive today are also a reflection of the efforts and sacrifices of their parents,” Prof. Sukardi said.

He reminded the graduates that earning an academic degree marks the beginning of even greater challenges. The world will not only ask about their qualifications, but also about their ability to learn, adapt, collaborate, and create things that machines cannot.

“Once you take off your graduation gown, the world will not ask you, ‘What is your degree?’ The world will ask, ‘What can you do?’” he said.

According to Prof. Sukardi, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), changing business models, evolving communication patterns, and new ways of acquiring knowledge have transformed the demands of the professional world. Therefore, higher education must equip graduates not only with knowledge, but also with critical thinking skills.

“Higher education today is not enough if it only makes you knowledgeable. You have to become a thinker. You have to be able to think,” he emphasized.

In navigating change, he highlighted the importance of the principle of learn, unlearn, and relearn—continuously acquiring new knowledge, letting go of outdated ways of thinking and working, and learning again in accordance with the needs of the times.

“Never say, ‘I have graduated, so I am done learning.’ In fact, after graduation, you are only beginning to learn seriously,” he said.

Prof. Sukardi also underscored the importance of critical thinking amid the rapid flow of information. Graduates need to examine sources, evidence, and the credibility of information before forming opinions or taking action.

“Learn to think before you react,” he advised.

In addition, cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills are increasingly important as the professional world becomes more interconnected and many challenges require contributions from different disciplines.

“The stronger your identity, the more confident you will be in engaging in dialogue with the world. Bring Lombok with you. Bring West Nusa Tenggara. Bring Indonesia. But speak to the world,” he said.

To prepare alumni to navigate ongoing changes, Prof. Sukardi encouraged the graduates to carry five principles with them: Learn, Adapt, Connect, Create, and Impact—continuously learning, adapting to change, building networks, creating solutions, and making a positive impact.

He expressed his hope that Unram alumni would not simply focus on finding jobs, but also grow into problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who contribute meaningfully to their communities and surroundings.

“Whatever your profession may be, be a person whose presence brings benefit to others,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Prof. Sukardi reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of Unram through integrity, honesty, courtesy, and the courage to face change.

“Be alumni who make people say, ‘Oh, they are a graduate of the University of Mataram.’ And that statement should not merely be an identity. It should represent trust,” he concluded.

Following the Rector’s speech, the graduation ceremony continued with the presentation of diplomas to the graduates, followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the outstanding graduates.