Berlin, August 24, 2024 – The Department of Youth and Education of the Indonesian Students Association in Germany (PPI Jerman) successfully held the Graduation Celebration 2024 on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11:00 to 18:00 CET at the main building of Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. The event aimed to celebrate the graduation of Indonesian students in Germany from undergraduate, master’s, doctoral programs, as well as vocational training (Ausbildung). The celebration was held in person and included an online sharing session by Paragon.
Among the distinguished guests attending the Graduation Ceremony 2024 were H.E. Arif Havas Oegroseno (Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Federal Republic of Germany) and his wife Mrs. Sartika Oegroseno, Dr. rer. nat. Ronniyus Marjunus (Education and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Berlin (Atdikbud KBRI Berlin)), Agnia Dewi Larasati B.Sc (President of PPI Jerman 2023/2024), Justin Airlangga (President of PPI Berlin-Brandenburg 2023/2024) and Hazrat Ayesha Radheya (Representative of Paragon Corp, HR Business Partner & Talent Acquisition ParagonCorp Malaysia). The event was attended by 48 graduates from different cities across Germany, along with 30 accompanying guests who added to the festive atmosphere.
The Graduation Celebration 2024 began with the re-registration of participants and a joint lunch. The event officially opened at 13:30 CET with the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, “Indonesia Raya”, followed by welcome speeches from the event chair, the President of PPI Jerman, the President of PPI Berlin-Brandenburg, and Mr. Ronniyus Marjunus from Atdikbud KBRI Berlin. The program continued with a sharing session from Paragon and speeches from representatives of each educational level. Chaska represented the bachelor’s level, Boy the master’s level, and Suci the vocational level (Ausbildung). The awarding of certificates to the graduates began at 15:15 CET, followed by a closing speech by Mr. Arief Havas Oegroseno, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Federal Republic of Germany, who expressed, “University life in Germany is not easy; it is a challenge for all of us. I am proud to see that the number of graduates, from Bachelor’s to Master’s and vocational training, is increasing year by year”. The graduation ceremony concluded with a photo session and social gathering.
Unlike universities in Indonesia, which usually hold graduation ceremonies for their graduates, most educational institutions in Germany do not usually organize such events for their students. Therefore, PPI Jerman took the initiative to organize a graduation ceremony to allow graduates to experience the excitement of a graduation ceremony with fellow Indonesians. This event also serves as a networking platform where participants can exchange information, especially about career opportunities.
In addition, this event aims to give the highest recognition to graduates who have successfully completed their education in Germany and earned their academic degrees. “Last year, I attended the graduation ceremony for my bachelor’s degree, I understand the challenges of studying in Germany. Today is the time to celebrate all that you have achieved. Believe me, you will all go on to do great things,” said Agnia Dewi Larasati, President of PPI Jerman 2023/2024. This achievement not only reflects their dedication and hard work over the years, but also prepares them to become driving forces in building Indonesia’s future. With the knowledge and skills they have acquired, these graduates are expected to make significant contributions in various fields and lead Indonesia to greater and more meaningful progress.
“I fully understand that it is not an easy task to organize such a graduation ceremony; it’s really an extraordinary effort… As the Attaché for Education and Culture, I would like to convey a message from the Minister of Education and Culture: graduates are expected to have three options: 1. Get a decent job, 2. Continue their studies, or 3. Start their own business. I hope you will all choose one of these three paths,” said Mr. Roniyus Marjunus, Education and Cultural Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin.
Graduation Celebration 2024 received positive feedback from participants and left them with a memorable experience. “Thank you to the Graduation Celebration Committee for organizing such a great event,” said Boy, representing the Master’s level. He added, “A career is important, but what’s even more important is contributing to society. Friends, let’s continue to love Indonesia.”