A vibrant atmosphere of enthusiasm and togetherness filled the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Jember (UNEJ) as it celebrated the climax of the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day. The week-long event, which featured various competitions, culminated today with the festive announcement and presentation of prizes to the winners at the Deanery courtyard. The entire academic community, including students, lecturers, and staff, gathered to witness the much-anticipated closing ceremony.
The series of competitions successfully ignited a high level of excitement among the FISIP community. Traditional independence-themed races, such as sack races, tug-of-war, and cracker-eating contests, were combined with creative team-based challenges like a national-themed poster design competition and a patriotic short video contest. Each event was not only a test of skill but also a means to strengthen the bonds and camaraderie between different departments and generations within the faculty.
The most anticipated moment was the prize-giving session, led directly by the Dean of FISIP UNEJ, accompanied by the Vice Dean III for Student Affairs and Alumni. With a proud smile, the Dean presented trophies and awards to the champions of each competition. This symbolic act served as the faculty leadership’s highest form of appreciation for the active participation and sportsmanship shown by all participants throughout the event series.
In his speech, the Dean of FISIP UNEJ stated that the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day is not just an annual ceremony but a crucial moment to rekindle the spirit of nationalism and mutual cooperation. “Activities like this are a tangible manifestation of the close-knit and solid FISIP family. The true victory is not the trophy, but the togetherness and joy we feel in celebrating the nation’s independence,” he said to a round of enthusiastic applause from the audience.
With the conclusion of the prize-giving ceremony, all the events held to commemorate the 80th Indonesian Independence Day at FISIP UNEJ in 2025 officially came to an end. The event closed with a group photo session and a friendly gathering, leaving a lasting impression about the importance of maintaining unity and fostering a love for the homeland among academics. The spirit of independence is expected to continue to burn bright and inspire every academic and non-academic activity in the future.