A warm and respectful atmosphere filled the Seminar Room, L1 Building, 2nd Floor of the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. It was in this space that the retirement ceremony of Peni Bektiningsih, S.IP., Senior Librarian (Pustakawan Ahli Muda), was held, marking the end of her long-standing service of 38 years and 1 month at the university.
The event served as a reflective moment on the long journey of a librarian who has played a vital role in sustaining information and archival services within the academic environment. Held one day before her official retirement date on April 1, 2026, the ceremony was attended by institutional leaders and colleagues from various divisions.
Head of the UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.IP., MBA., shared his impressions of working with Ms. Peni. He described her as a diligent and consistent professional, often working quietly behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
“Throughout our time working together, Ms. Peni has been someone who works in silence, yet always completes every responsibility thoroughly. Her meticulousness and commitment have become a role model for all of us,” said Arif.
On the same occasion, Ms. Peni delivered her farewell remarks with a deep sense of gratitude, reflecting on her long journey with the Library and Archives community.
“I am grateful to have been part of the UGM Library and Archives. I have gained many valuable lessons here, especially about working sincerely and serving wholeheartedly,” she expressed.
Messages and impressions were also conveyed by colleagues across divisions, represented by Head of Library Division Wahyu Supriyanto, S.E., M.Si., Head of Archives Division Erna Widayati, S.E., M.M., Head of Data and Information Systems Division Yulistiarini Kumaraningrum, S.P., M.M., and Chair of the UGM Employees Corps (Korpagama) Library and Archives Haryanta, S.IP.
The event concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation as a symbol of the institution’s gratitude for her invaluable contributions. The sense of warmth and togetherness was evident throughout the farewell, reflecting the strong professional and personal bonds built over the years.
This retirement ceremony serves as a reminder that the sustainability of library and archival services relies not only on systems and technology but also on individuals with integrity. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the role of librarians in maintaining access to knowledge and information as a foundation for higher education, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) as reflected in Ms. Peni’s dedication, work ethic, and professionalism over more than three decades of service.
Retirement does not mark the end of one’s contributions. Ms. Peni’s legacy stands as a testament that preserving knowledge is a lifelong endeavor—and that every individual involved leaves behind a lasting impact beyond time and tenure.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh