The Karate Student Club of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) delivered an outstanding performance on the international stage, returning home with nine medals from the 15th Silent Knight International Open Karate Cup 2026. The prestigious open karate championship was held from April 17 to 19, 2026, at Titiwangsa Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, drawing 60 contingents from five countries across Asia. The event was organized by the Hayashi-ha Karate Association of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Karate Association of Malaysia (MAKAF), making it one of the most competitive international karate tournaments in the region. The participation and achievements of the UGM contingent serve as a clear testament to the ability of UGM students to compete and excel at the global level.
The UGM karate contingent secured a total of nine medals, comprising three gold, four silver, and two bronze, across multiple competition categories. The medals were earned through both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) events, spanning individual and team divisions in both the men’s and women’s categories. This achievement positions UGM as one of the most competitive university contingents at the international level, reinforcing the institution’s reputation in the world of martial arts. The result adds to a growing list of international accolades earned by UGM Karate Student Club in recent years.
The three gold medals were claimed through outstanding performances in the kata and individual kumite events. Alvito Abhista Pangestu from the Faculty of Animal Science delivered a technically impressive performance to win gold in the Male Senior Individual Kata category, impressing the international panel of judges. In the same event for women, Annisa Nur Kholifah from the Vocational School claimed gold in the Female Senior Individual Kata category, standing out among competitors from across Asia. The third gold medal was contributed by Athifah Rahmadhani from the Faculty of Agriculture, who emerged as the champion in the Female Senior Individual Kumite -55 Kg category, completing a remarkable gold medal sweep for the UGM contingent.
Four silver medals further enriched UGM’s medal collection at the tournament, earned across both individual and team events. Sarah Jasmine Kahiking from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences claimed silver in the Female Senior Individual Kumite -61 Kg category, while Fidelia Dwipuspita Purwacahya from the Vocational School followed with silver in the Female Senior Individual Kumite +68 Kg category. Muhammad Sahal Rizky Zanuar, also from the Vocational School, added another silver in the Male Senior Individual Kumite -55 Kg category. The women’s team effort was further recognized with a silver medal in the Female Senior Team Kumite category, won by Athifah Rahmadhani, Sarah Jasmine Kahiking, Fidelia Dwipuspita Purwacahya, and Kanaya Putri Lavau from the Faculty of Law.
Two bronze medals rounded out UGM’s impressive haul at the championship, both secured from kumite categories. Francisco M. S. M. Satya from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine won bronze in the Male Senior Individual Kumite -60 Kg category after battling through a highly competitive field. The second bronze was claimed by the men’s team in the Male Senior Team Kumite category, with the squad consisting of Aufa Raja’ Sukmaaji, Bagas Pujangkoro, Francisco M. S. M. Satya, Muhammad Razaq, Muhammad Sahal Rizky Zanuar, Jundi Ahmad Avatar A M Kr Dole, and Sulthan Nawwafsyarif Basuki, representing faculties including Law, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and the Vocational School. The diversity of faculties represented within the team reflects the broad-based athlete development carried out by UGM Karate Student Club. This cross-faculty collaboration stands as a symbol of the team spirit and unity that underpins the club’s competitive success.
The success of UGM Karate Student Club at this international championship is the result of disciplined training, consistent coaching, and the unwavering determination of the athletes to represent their university with pride on the world stage. This achievement also demonstrates that the club serves as an effective platform for UGM students to develop their talents and passion for martial arts all the way to the international level. It is hoped that this accomplishment will inspire and motivate all members of UGM Karate Student Club to continue raising the bar and competing at both national and international tournaments in the future. With a steadily growing record of achievement, UGM Karate Student Club is poised to remain a source of pride for Universitas Gadjah Mada in the world of competitive martial arts. read more

Demonstrating a tangible commitment to environmental preservation, the UGM Swimming Club (SIGMA) joined forces with SPARTA, the Moot Court Organization of UGM’s Faculty of Law, in a community service event at the Baros Mangrove Conservation Area in Bantul, Yogyakarta. The event, held on May 17, 2025, focused on two core activities: an environmental seminar and a hands-on mangrove planting session. The event sought to raise ecological awareness and promote proactive conservation efforts among students.
Idris Bayu, President of SIGMA UGM, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “We want to increase awareness and encourage our peers to care more deeply about the environment, especially in the vital mangrove ecosystems of Baros.”
The day began with an interactive environmental seminar titled “Protecting Water, Sustaining Life,” led by William Alexander, a UGM student specializing in Environmental Law. The session highlighted global and local water pollution issues and presented actionable solutions, drawing connections between legal frameworks and environmental responsibility.
Participants also received a briefing on the unique mangrove ecosystem along the Opak River and its significance as both a biodiversity hotspot and a natural barrier against coastal erosion. Rico Sebrian, a local conservation leader, underscored the area’s ecological richness, citing more than 400 bird species, with egrets being the most populous species.
In the second half of the event, students took part in planting Rhizophora mangroves along the western edge of the Baros mangrove area. Following proper conservation protocols, participants dug planting holes, installed wooden supports, and tied the young saplings to withstand tidal currents.
According to Dimas, a long-time local resident, Baros’ mangrove reforestation began in 2003 as a response to coastal abrasion. “At first, the mangroves were planted to protect farmland from saltwater intrusion. But over time, the benefits multiplied. Now, Baros is both a tourist attraction and an educational site managed by the local community,” he explained.
This collaborative effort showcased how students can become agents of environmental change. More than just planting trees, the event symbolized the planting of awareness and the growth of long-term commitment to ecological sustainability. Through education and action, UGM students continue to advocate for a greener, more resilient future. read more

The vibrant coral reefs of Karimunjawa once again played host to a milestone in the legacy of UKM Selam UGM (UGM Dive Club), as the student diving unit conducted its 35th Open Water Training (Latihan Perairan Terbuka/LPT XXXV), a pinnacle event that marks both the culmination of training and a vital step toward certification for aspiring divers.

Held from May 11 to 15, 2025, this year’s LPT was more than a certification program. It was a rite of passage for the new divers, blending hands-on learning with deep appreciation for Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. The event welcomed 47 student trainees, guided by four instructors, including two distinguished alumni, who will lead them through their first journey into the underwater world. read more

The U-FOLUNTEER activity is the initiation of the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) of the UGM Photography Student Activity Unit (UFO) in the context of community service. This time, U-FOLUNTEER was held on Monday, December 16, 2024 with the aim of increasing the awareness of UFO UGM members to environmental issues around the community and trying to support education for children in coastal areas.  With the theme “Cleaning the Beach and Donating Books for Children”, UFO UGM collaborates with Garduaction based on the similarity of the vision and mission of this year’s U-FOLUNTEER service, namely the waste problem. read more