In Graduation Speech at UI, Purbaya Reminds Graduates of Their Parents' Sacrifices

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reminded graduates at the University of Indonesia (UI) of their parents’ struggles and hard work. He delivered the message during his scientific oration at UI’s Bachelor’s and Vocational Program Graduation Ceremony for the Odd Semester of Academic Year 2025/2026 at Balairung, UI Depok Campus, West Java, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

“How does it feel to graduate today? Pretty great, right?” Purbaya said, then laughed.

Purbaya expressed confidence that the UI students graduating that day had worked hard for years. But behind it all were the sacrifices of their parents. “They worked tirelessly to earn a living. Some of them had to toil with everything they had, turning themselves inside out, to fund your education. What is certain is that because of their prayers and hard work, you are in the position you are today—graduating from the University of Indonesia,” Purbaya said.

He then asked the graduates to stand and pay their respects to their parents. “I ask all graduates to stand and salute your parents,” he said, which was met with applause from the attendees.

According to Purbaya, beyond the graduates’ own efforts, there are parents who consistently provided selfless upbringing and, of course, lecturers who shaped their discipline and character. “So today I also stand here in two capacities—as Finance Minister of the Republic of Indonesia and as a father whose child is also among those graduating in this hall today,” he said.

Earlier this year, UI produced 4,428 graduates comprising 2,057 from bachelor’s and vocational programs, as well as 2,371 from professional, specialist, master’s, and doctoral programs. Of that total, 1,459 graduates earned cum laude honors, while 256 graduates received summa cum laude distinction.