MATAF UNISA Yogyakarta First Day: New Students Receive Instruction on Nationalism, National Defense, and Higher Education Systems

Universitas ‘Aisyiyah  (UNISA) Yogyakarta held the first day of its 2025 Orientation Program (MATAF) after the opening ceremony at the Walidah Dahlan Mosque Convention Hall on Tuesday (9/16). A total of 2,508 new students participated in various orientation sessions aimed at fostering national awareness, strengthening commitment to national defense, and solidifying their academic orientation at the university.

The first session was delivered by UNISA Yogyakarta’s Vice Rector III, Prof. Dr. Mufdillah, S.Pd., S.iT., M.Sc., on the theme “The Pancasila State as Darul Ahdi wa Syahadah.” He emphasized that the principle of Darul Ahdi wa Syahadah, initiated by Muhammadiyah, places Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution as the final and non-negotiable foundations of the state.

“Preserving Indonesia is a mandate from Allah for all its inhabitants. Muslims must set an example by spreading goodness, preventing division, and realizing a just, prosperous society that is pleasing to Allah. This is the manifestation of Islam as rahmatan lil ‘alamin in the context of the Republic of Indonesia,” explained Prof. Mufdillah.

The second session was presented by Kompol Leo Nisya Sagita, S.I.K., Head of the Sub-Directorate of Community Guidance and Social Affairs at the Yogyakarta Regional Police Headquarters, on “The Strategic Role of Students in Defending the Nation in the Post-Truth Era.” He emphasized the importance of students as agents of change who must actively fight against disinformation and hoaxes that threaten national unity.

“Research by the Indonesian National Defense Institute in 2024 shows that 39 percent of students have been exposed to radical ideas or inappropriate content. This is a serious challenge. Students must not be passive, but must be able to verify the accuracy of information before spreading it, and have an awareness of national defense as a form of responsibility for building the nation,” explained Kompol Leo.

The third material was presented by Amika Wardana, S.Sos., M.A., Ph.D. with the topic “The Indonesian Higher Education System.” Amika emphasized the importance of students having a study plan from the start, starting from their GPA target, the organizations they will join, to their plans after graduation.

The second session was presented by Kompol Leo Nisya Sagita, S.I.K., Head of the Sub-Directorate of Community Guidance and Social Affairs at the Yogyakarta Regional Police Headquarters, on “The Strategic Role of Students in Defending the Nation in the Post-Truth Era.” He emphasized the importance of students as agents of change who must actively fight against disinformation and hoaxes that threaten national unity.

“Research by the Indonesian National Defense Institute in 2024 shows that 39 percent of students have been exposed to radical ideas or inappropriate content. This is a serious challenge. Students must not be passive, but must be able to verify the accuracy of information before spreading it, and have an awareness of national defense as a form of responsibility for building the nation,” explained Kompol Leo.

The third material was presented by Amika Wardana, S.Sos., M.A., Ph.D. with the topic “The Indonesian Higher Education System.” Amika emphasized the importance of students having a study plan from the start, starting from their GPA target, the organizations they will join, to their plans after graduation.