UPNVJ Public Relations – The 77th Graduation Ceremony of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, Saturday (September 12, 2026) was a meaningful moment for Wahid Oktovian. The graduate of the Communication Science Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UPNVJ was trusted to represent the graduates in delivering messages and expressions of gratitude. On the same day, Wahid also became one of the recipients of the Karya Mahardika award for his achievements in the field of pencak silat during his education at UPNVJ.
In front of the academic community, parents, families, and graduates, Wahid encouraged his colleagues to view graduation as more than just a celebration of the completion of their studies. He argued that the togas worn by graduates also symbolize the many struggles that are not always visible to others.
"Today, we're not just celebrating graduation. We're celebrating a struggle. A struggle that others may never see," Wahid said.
He said each graduate has a different journey. Some are studying while working, living far from their families, being active in organizations, pursuing success, and even facing personal challenges unnoticed by others.
For Wahid, the struggle is just as valuable as the achievements marked by medals or trophies. He emphasized that successfully persisting and completing education is also an achievement.
"Achievements don't always come in the form of medals, trophies, and standing on the podium is not always achievable," he said.
Pencak Silat Leads Him to Mahardika's Work
Wahid's journey with UPNVJ began to reach a pivotal point in 2022. Early in his studies, he achieved success in the 2022 WIMAYA National Sports Week Championship. From there, Wahid became increasingly active in developing his skills with the Jakarta Veteran Pencak Silat Student Activity Unit (UKM).
The campus environment and pencak silat community then became a space for Wahid to not only pursue victory, but also to shape his character.
This journey ultimately led him to become a Karya Mahardika recipient. For Wahid, the award was more than just recognition for the medals and titles he had won.
"I was trained. I was nurtured. I was bumped. And from those bumps, I was formed," he said.
From this process, he admitted that he learned to fulfill his responsibilities, see problems from various perspectives, persevere under pressure, and remain clear-headed in difficult situations.
Losing Father in the Middle of Struggle
Despite these achievements, Wahid also endured one of the most challenging periods of his life. In 2025, while still fulfilling his responsibilities as a student and preparing for a championship, his father passed away.
The loss forced Wahid to live in two situations at once: fulfilling the responsibilities he had chosen and facing the grief of being a child.
This experience became one of the messages he shared with fellow graduates. According to Wahid, life doesn't always give someone the time to truly prepare for change or loss.
"We may not always be able to choose what happens in our lives. But we can still choose to move forward," he said.
He also addressed the graduates, who may be going through or have gone through struggles unknown to others. He believes the ability to keep going is a form of courage worthy of recognition.
Thank you to KJMU, UPNVJ, and Family
In his remarks, Wahid specifically expressed his gratitude to the Jakarta Provincial Government through the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU) program. He noted that the scholarship support had helped ease his educational journey, enabling him to complete his studies.
He also expressed his gratitude to UPNVJ and FISIP for providing space for students to develop and excel, both in academic and non-academic fields.
"I would like to thank UPN 'Veteran' Jakarta, which has accommodated, facilitated, and supported me to continue the process, grow, and achieve," said Wahid.
Similar appreciation was conveyed to the thesis supervisor, academic supervisor, pencak silat supervisor and trainer, UKM Pencak Silat Veteran Jakarta, and the UPNVJ student affairs staff who have accompanied him since the beginning of his studies.
However, Wahid's most personal words were addressed to his parents. He thanked his mother who never stopped praying every step of the way.
"Mother, please pray for me," said Wahid, remembering the simple sentence that had been one of his sources of strength.
To his late father, Wahid dedicated his academic achievements and the Karya Mahardika award he received.
"I dedicate this award, this title, to you. Thank you for all your prayers and support," he said.
Closing his remarks, Wahid encouraged all graduates of the Class of 77 to carry the spirit of national defense instilled by UPNVJ into their lives after college. He hoped the graduates would become individuals who benefit their families, communities, nation, and state.
For him, the journey after graduation isn't solely measured by how high one reaches. Equally important is the ability to persevere, continue learning, and bounce back when life doesn't go as planned.
"Congratulations on our struggle. Congratulations on our achievements. And congratulations on your new journey after today," Wahid concluded.
Wahid's story also illustrates the spirit that UPNVJ hopes to continue to cultivate in its graduates: competence that goes hand in hand with strong character, compassion, and a spirit of national defense. The Karya Mahardika Award is one form of campus appreciation for graduates who have achieved success during their education and brought honor to the university.
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Writer: Disa Prihantini | Language Coordinator : F. Noor