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Jokowi Meets UGM Junior in Lampung, Rekindles College Memories
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Jokowi Meets UGM Junior in Lampung, Rekindles College Memories

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with a junior from his university days in Lampung, sparking a nostalgic reunion.
  • The meeting occurred during Jokowi's visit to a pesantren in Central Lampung Regency, where he reconnected with Utama Priyadi, a fellow Forestry Faculty alumnus from Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
  • Both shared memories of their time at UGM, including their shared passion for mountain climbing, highlighting their close-knit relationship as former students.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, experienced a moment of warm nostalgia during his political visit to Lampung Province when he unexpectedly met a junior from his university days. The encounter took place at the Nurul Qodiri Islamic boarding school in Central Lampung Regency, where Jokowi was engaging with the school's leaders, students, and local community.

During his visit, Jokowi chanced upon Utama Priyadi, who was also present to meet the president. Both men are alumni of the Forestry Faculty at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta. Their shared academic background fostered a strong connection, and they had known each other since their university years. Jokowi belongs to the class of 1980, while Utama is from the class of 1982.

Alhamdulillah can meet again, it's been a very long time since we met. The last time I met him was during the first presidential term when he visited the campus. I am his junior; if he is from the '80 batch, I am from the '82 batch.

— Utama PriyadiUtama Priyadi, a junior from President Jokowi's university days, shares his feelings about their reunion.

Utama expressed his gratitude for the chance to meet Jokowi again after many years. He recalled their last meeting during Jokowi's first presidential term when the president visited the UGM campus. Utama reminisced about the close-knit atmosphere within the Forestry Faculty, noting the relatively small number of students, which allowed for strong bonds to form. He remembered witnessing Jokowi's preparations for graduation and other significant moments during their time at UGM.

Beyond their campus camaraderie, Utama also shared memories of Jokowi's passion for mountain climbing during their student days, recalling several treks they undertook together. This reunion in Lampung provided a rare opportunity for both men to reminisce about their college experiences, which occurred over four decades ago. Jokowi himself seemed pleased to recognize his former junior, playfully acknowledging their respective graduation years amidst his tour.

He (Utama Priyadi) is from the '82 batch, and I am from the '80 batch.

— Joko Widodo (Jokowi)President Jokowi playfully acknowledges the graduation years of his junior during their meeting.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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