HumasUPNVJ - After four years of studying at university, the most awaited event has finally arrived, namely the graduation ceremony. The ceremonial graduation ceremony is usually held with the technical chancellor and members of the senate attending an open session procession, then the chancellor removes the toga strap as a sign that the student has successfully graduated, and shakes hands as a sign of greeting.

Technically, the 64th graduation ceremony which was held on Sunday, March 8 2020 went smoothly and as expected. However, what is different from the usual process is that in the process of inaugurating graduates there is no handshake. Usually the handshake is carried out during the process of giving pass certificates by the dean and the process of inauguration by the chancellor, but this was abolished at this graduation. This was done as a precautionary measure for UPN Veterans Jakarta to avoid a virus that is currently endemic and developing, namely the Corona virus case Covid-19.

Even though the handshake was abolished, in accordance with the direction of the Chancellor and his staff, the handshake was changed to a Namaste greeting, namely by bringing the palms together in front of the chest, similar to the prayer movement performed before the dean and saluting by placing the right hand to the chest in front of the rector who symbolizes the sincerity of carrying out the task wholeheartedly. The two forms of greeting are a substitute for a handshake in the 64th graduation process by not eliminating mutual respect and giving appreciation to graduates for what they have fought for.

The differences did not end there, different from the previous year where the graduation singing procession was only accompanied by the Gita Advayatva choir, at the 64th graduation the graduates were presented with an attractive performance from the UPN Veterans Jakarta State Defense Student Symphony Orchestra (SIMABARA).

By performing 2 national songs and 1 contemporary song and collaborating with the Gita Advayatva choir, Simabara succeeded in creating a different atmosphere and color at this graduation. With a blend of traditional and modern music, Simbara comes with his trademark, namely using instruments from various regions, namely West Java, Central Java, Bali, Padang, and North Sulawesi.

Simabara is present as an effort in the form of fighting for regional arts and culture. This is one of the implementations of defending the State by UPN Veterans Jakarta and students in preserving Indonesian culture. With the performance of today's keroncong orchestra by Simabara, the Chancellor of UPN Veterans Jakarta and his staff hope to increase the interest of the younger generation in maintaining and participating in preserving keroncong both now and in the future.