Closing out 2025, the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a retirement ceremony for Joko Kristianto, a library staff member who devoted 28 years and 7 months of service to UGM. The occasion was not merely a farewell ceremony, but an important marker of his long-standing dedication to sustaining knowledge services in higher education.
The retirement event took place on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at the UGM Library and Archives, one day prior to the official commencement of his retirement on 1 January 2026. The event was attended by leadership and colleagues from across the various divisions of the UGM Library and Archives.
The Head of the UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, SIP., MBA., expressed his appreciation for Joko Kristianto’s dedication and exemplary service over nearly three decades. According to him, the role of library professionals makes a strategic contribution to supporting the university’s tridharma.
“We extend our deepest gratitude and highest appreciation for Pak Joko’s dedication. He has been a true example of serving visitors in accordance with the UGM Library and Archives’ service motto, greeting, engagement, smiles, solutions, and wholehearted service. This exemplary conduct is a highly valuable legacy for us,” Arif said.
In addition to remarks from the leadership, the event also featured a farewell message from Joko Kristianto himself. On the occasion, he expressed his gratitude for the camaraderie and shared experiences throughout his years of service at UGM.
“I am grateful to have been part of the UGM Library and Archives. This working environment taught me the true meaning of serving with sincerity and working for a greater purpose, education and knowledge,” he said.
Messages and reflections were also conveyed by colleagues from across divisions, represented by Head of the Library Division Wahyu Supriyanto, S.E., M.Si.; Head of the Archives Division Erna Widayati, S.E., M.M.; Head of the Library and Archives Data and Information Systems Division Yulistiarini Kumaraningrum, S.P., M.M.; and Chair of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Employees Corps (Korpagama) for the Library and Archives, Haryanta, S.IP.
The series of events concluded with the presentation of commemorative tokens as a form of institutional appreciation for the dedication that had been given. A warm atmosphere marked the farewell moment between Joko Kristianto and the leaders and colleagues in attendance.
From the perspective of the UGM Library and Archives, this retirement serves as an important reflection that the sustainability of information and archival services relies not only on technology, but also on human resources with integrity. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inclusive information services, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through the strengthening of governance and professional capacity.
Retirement is not the end of contribution, but rather a new chapter in a journey of service. The legacy of Joko Kristianto’s dedication is a reminder that safeguarding knowledge is a long-term endeavor, and that every individual involved plays an irreplaceable role.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh