Alumni Message: BRIN Scientist Urges Graduates to Adapt to the Global Stage
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online – Dr. Yudi Nugraha, S.Si., M.Biomed., attended as a UIN Jakarta alumnus during the 141st Graduation Ceremony for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Programs at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Carrying the theme “Strengthening Innovative Graduates with Integrity and Impact on Humanity,” the event took place at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Sunday (13/09/2026).
Currently serving as Head of Scientific Committee of BRIN Cryo-EM National Facility at the National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BRIN), as well as being a member of the UIN Jakarta Alumni Association (IKALUIN) from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Class of 2011, Dr. Yudi Nugraha, S.Si., M.Biomed., welcomed hundreds of graduates in his presentation, emphasizing the importance of becoming exceptional graduates who remain adaptive in society.
As a researcher of Nanobody Inhibitor in the European Union during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Yudi made a milestone contribution to global medical science, given that the European Union was the first region worldwide to approve the commercial use of nanobody-based drugs. In his presentation, he asserted that these experiences and accomplishments are rooted in the educational foundation he gained as a UIN Jakarta alumnus.
"Back during COVID-19, I never imagined that I would become one of the researchers developing inhibitors. However, that is truly the essence of education, my young fellow graduates. It is that diploma with the UIN Jakarta logo that carried me around the world. Education does not always give us a map; rather, it provides us with a compass. UIN Jakarta was my compass whenever I lost my way to remind me where we began, because true success is not measured by where we arrive," he expressed.
Based on the Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, the global labor market from 2025 to 2030 is undergoing major structural shifts affecting approximately 22 percent of total worldwide employment. Responding to these figures, Dr. Yudi firmly urged UIN Jakarta graduates to become adaptive and outstanding individuals in society by applying Charles Darwin's concept of the survival of the fittest.
“Reports from the World Economic Forum's Jobs Report project that through 2030, our job market will create 170 million new jobs, but out of that number, as many as 92 million jobs will be disrupted and disappear. We must focus deeper on adaptability. Thus, when changes occur, your knowledge is paramount. Technological progress and adaptation must never cause humans to lose their humanity, especially for those working in the humanities,” he said.
Graduates of UIN Jakarta's 141st class were invited to recall the phenomenon of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit several years ago. During that period, Dr. Yudi recounted that work patterns were no longer confined to a single discipline, but demanded cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“I came to understand during COVID-19 that I was working not only with doctors and fellow researchers like myself, but across multidisciplinary fields. And this is our strongest form of adaptation,” he stated.
Furthermore, as graduates of UIN Jakarta—which has successfully maintained its 1st Rank in the State Islamic Higher Education Institution (PTKIN) category—the graduates were reminded to continuously adapt while upholding their identity and Islamic values wherever they go.
“I vividly recall studying in Japan, where I was asked to lead a prayer in front of them. Later, I was also invited to be active in Nahdlatul Ulama organizational activities. My background, although an Islamic boarding school graduate, was actually quite distinct from what I studied at UIN Jakarta. Yet, adaptability was what mattered most,” he shared.
Additionally, Dr. Yudi touched upon the importance of scientific temper—a lifestyle concept emphasizing critical, rational, objective, and evidence-based mindsets in understanding surrounding phenomena. This concept encompasses three core points that align with the spirit of the graduation ceremony.
“First, use data. In this era of information abundance, opinions are cheap. Data makes us more responsible and instills integrity. Second, never lose your ethical values. Technology can make us move faster, but only ethics can determine whether we move in the right direction among all choices,” he expressed.
He also advised graduates not to hesitate in stepping far out to gain global experience, while remaining mindful of the alma mater where they grew.
“Do not be afraid to go far. If there is an opportunity to go, go. Learn from the world, build the widest networks possible, work with people from various countries, but do not forget to come back home. Return occasionally to UIN Jakarta, to your alma mater, because it is your compass when you lose your way, just as I experienced myself,” he advised.
In closing, he emphasized that earning a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree carries academic and social responsibilities in society, regardless of the career path pursued.
“Today's degree represents our academic responsibility as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates. Perhaps among you there will be legal experts, judges, bureaucrats, academics, politicians, researchers like myself, entrepreneurs, or writers. Or even in professions that do not yet exist today—that is completely fine. What matters is that when we are present, that place becomes better through our role,” he concluded.
Overall, UIN Jakarta inaugurated a total of 3,156 graduates during its 141st Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Graduation Ceremony. The series of inaugurations on Sunday (13/09/2026) at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Campus I UIN Jakarta, marked the conclusion of the graduation events.
Further information regarding the directory of the 141st Graduation Alumni Magazine and other important announcements can be accessed easily via the link s.id/wisuda-uinjkt. Meanwhile, members of the public and families wishing to rewatch the full celebratory atmosphere of UIN Jakarta's 141st Graduation proceedings can view the broadcast recording on the official YouTube channel of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta at the following link: