A total of 276 new students officially began their academic journey at the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), during the opening of PIONIR Psikologi Rumah Kita (PRK) 2026 on Wednesday (August 5). Carrying the theme Puspa Parahita, the event marked the beginning of students’ introduction to the academic environment while instilling the values of being rooted, growing, and empowered.
In his welcoming remarks, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, stated that the reception of new students reflects the collective acceptance of the entire academic community toward the newest members of the Faculty of Psychology family.
“On behalf of all lecturers, faculty administrators, study program managers, educational staff, students, and alumni, I warmly welcome and officially receive all of you as members of the Faculty of Psychology UGM family,” he said.
Rahmat noted that the 276 incoming students were selected from more than 10,000 applicants who participated in the admission process. According to him, they are the selected few who have demonstrated the capacity, competence, perseverance, and resilience needed to succeed throughout their studies and beyond.
“You are the selected few. We believe that you possess the capacity, competence, determination, and perseverance required to succeed as Psychology students, to become accomplished psychology graduates, and ultimately to achieve success in life,” he said.
PIONIR Psikologi Rumah Kita (PRK) is the faculty-level orientation program that forms part of PIONIR Gadjah Mada. Through this program, new students are introduced to the academic environment as well as the core values that define the identity of the Faculty of Psychology UGM.
The General Coordinator of PIONIR PRK 2026, Ni Made Adinda Dian Laksmi, explained that the theme Puspa Parahita encourages new students to embrace their learning journey by supporting one another as they grow into empowered individuals.
“Through the theme Puspa Parahita, we believe that each of you has your own unique path and direction for growth. Just as a flower gradually blossoms, every step you take starting today will lead you toward becoming a more empowered individual,” she said.
These values were symbolically represented through Akara Puspa, the opening ceremony that depicts a flower growing from strong roots as a representation of students’ journey of growth at the Faculty of Psychology UGM. The symbolism embodies three core values—being rooted, growing, and empowered—which serve as the foundation for students to understand themselves, develop their potential through meaningful learning experiences, and ultimately realize their capabilities to create a positive impact on others.
In closing, Adinda encouraged all new students to support one another throughout their academic journey at the Faculty of Psychology UGM.
“Always remember that in our home, none of us walks alone. There will always be hands reaching out to embrace one another, stories to be shared, and steps that strengthen each other until, in the end, we can stand together.”
Writer & Photographer: Erna Tri Nofiyana
Editor: Sussanti