UNS Rector: Empathy as Moral Compass Amid Technological Advancement

Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in Surakarta urges hundreds of newly graduated students to become part of the solution to various challenges amid rapid technological and artificial intelligence advancements. This was stated by UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono during the Period IV Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, 30 May 2026, attended by 593 graduates at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium of UNS. He noted that intellectual intelligence and adaptability alone are no longer sufficient to face future challenges. Therefore, there must be a reinforcement of humanistic values. He outlined how machines and AI-based technologies have taken over many technical functions previously performed by humans. ‘In this changing landscape, the ability to empathise has become the key value distinguishing humans from technology,’ he said, receiving applause from the graduates. Empathy, he added, will serve as a moral compass to ensure that knowledge and expertise are used for the benefit of society. Through empathy, individuals are expected to contribute to reducing inequality and mitigating increasingly complex social polarisation in the modern era. ‘Empathy fosters a collaborative spirit, which is essential in addressing global challenges,’ Prof Hartono added. For this graduation ceremony, UNS collaborated with the UNS Alumni Association (IKA UNS) to feature top alumni sharing their experiences and inspiration with graduates. At the Period IV 2026 graduation, Dennis A. Kosasih, a 2014 graduate of UNS’s Faculty of Economics and Business, was invited. He completed his master’s at Columbia University in 2025 through a full LPDP scholarship. Mr. Kosasih currently serves as Director of Marketing and Commercials at Aerostreet Indonesia and was invited to share his insights and experiences with the graduates. Dennis told graduates that perseverance is crucial for them to keep growing and face professional challenges. ‘Adaptability is necessary to respond to rapid changes, in line with the values UNS instils in its alumni,’ Dennis concluded. UNS urges all parties to exercise restraint and express aspirations wisely, avoiding violence and anarchy. Universities bear significant responsibility for producing academically competent generations capable of adapting to workplace changes and digital transformation. In academic circles, father-and-child pairs starting higher education at the same university is a rare occurrence. UGM’s academic development is comprehensive, including strengthening social humanities fields that have gained global recognition. According to the rector, academic degrees are not merely administrative achievements or job successes. The aspiration for a developed and prosperous nation is not solely determined by economic and technological development, but also by the presence of a fair and integrity-driven legal system.