PBAK 2026: Ahmad Dekatama Pasming Based Shares Keys to Digital Savviness and Real Impact for Freshmen
Main Field, UIN Online News – Ahmad Dekatama Putra Zaman, S.H., LL.M., publicly known as Pasming Based, attended the 2026 Academic and Student Culture Orientation (PBAK) as a guest speaker. The event took place on the Main Field of Campus I, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, on Wednesday (August 26, 2026). Titled “Inspiring Speech: Digital Savviness and Real Impact as Indonesia’s Future Change-Makers,” the presentation successfully captivated 9,448 incoming students.
An alumnus of UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Law who earned his Master of Laws degree from Columbia University, Pasming Based highlighted UIN Jakarta as one of the finest Islamic universities. Speaking before thousands of new students, he shared his experience in balancing academic achievements with digital literacy. He emphasized three key differentiating factors for individual excellence: self-exploration, prioritizing, and networking.
Beyond sparking motivation for achievement, he urged students not to focus solely on their Grade Point Average (GPA), but to enrich their practical experiences as valuable preparation for the workforce.
“Your GPA acts as an administrative entry requirement. What truly sets you apart is your resume—whether you participated in competitions, joined student organizations, or completed internships,” he noted.
As guest speaker, Pasming Based invited students to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a learning aid to sharpen their potential while maintaining critical information verification. He also highlighted the role of social media as a platform to build personal branding while advocating for ideas and expressing constructive criticism responsibly.
“Being critical does not require harsh language or personal attacks. You can express criticism through data and by addressing systemic issues in Indonesia that fall short of ideal standards,” he explained.
He added that critical thinking skills form the foundation for students to balance academic accomplishments with creating real-world impact in the digital space.
“Critical thinking is immensely useful throughout university life. After graduation, the profession of content creation becomes highly relevant. The diverse discussions during my studies are what made my career as a content creator sustainable,” he continued.
Addressing the challenge of maintaining academic integrity amid rapid developments in social media algorithms and AI, Pasming Based emphasized the importance of keeping top priorities in check without closing oneself off from digital career opportunities.
“Academics remain priority number one because the primary goal of attending university is earning a degree with good grades to apply for formal jobs. On the other hand, content creation offers an exciting and sustainable new career path. If you can align both, why not? Stay focused on your studies, manage your priorities, and explore content creation on the side,” he explained.
He also cautioned students against relying entirely on artificial intelligence to the point of losing their personal identity. Highlighting the widespread adoption of AI, he positioned AI as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for core character.
“Do not let AI become your sole basis to the point of losing authenticity and integrity. Treat AI as a reference to broaden insights, not as your primary source. Your primary source remains deep research and staying attuned to what is relevant for your audience,” Pasming Based added.
In closing, he advised the incoming class, particularly those pursuing studies in science, technology, and other disciplines, to exercise wisdom when using the internet and social media.
“Utilize technology for two primary purposes. First, to support your coursework and career preparation—such as conducting research or leveraging AI to craft resumes and practice for organizational interviews, provided you fact-check the output. Second, use social media wisely to build a positive personal brand that serves as your competitive edge in the future,” he concluded.
Documentation of the 2026 Academic and Student Culture Orientation (PBAK) series on Wednesday (August 26, 2026) can be viewed via the official YouTube channel of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta: