At present, we are faced with the rapid progress of science and technology. Inventions and innovations are created at an exponential rate. As a result of these advancements in science and technology, there have been major and rapid changes in the economic, social and cultural sectors. Such progress has affected our behavior and way of life. Mobile phones have become recorders of all our daily activities, from waking up to our sleeping time. Many of the old jobs and ways of working are gone by technology and smart machines, while new types of jobs are emerging. We are faced with future conditions that are full of vulnerability, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Therefore, universities must change, if they do not want to become museums of the past and are abandoned by students. The industrial revolution 4.0 must be responded to with the educational revolution 4.0 which produces graduates with flexible competence (agile), broad insight, flexible and in accordance with the needs and changing times (future proof). The way of learning must be adaptive and flexible to make room for the generation of agile, adaptive, creative, and lifelong learners. As stated by Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng. from Directorate General of Higher Education Ministry of Education and Culture in his speech  in the 56th UNY Anniversary Ceremony, Monday (5/18) in the Main Meeting Room of the Rectorate of UNY.

Nizam explained further that the latest policy launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture known as Merdeka Belajar (Free to Learn) and Campus Merdeka (Free Campuss) is a new framework that will ensure university student to become a strong graduate with relevant skill and preparedness to be a leader with a high nationalism quality. “This policy will give university students many opportunities to hone their hard skills and soft skills directly through diverse experiential learning according to their passion and ideals,” Nizam said.

The curricula of higher education institutions implemented today must be overhauled, because the aim is to produce agile learners. Higher education is expected to be able to produce superior human capital and to build a nation's sovereignty and dignified civilization. The role of the Higher Education Institution of Education is certainly very important in preparing teachers who are able to nurture the future generation.

Rector of UNY, Prof. Dr. Sutrisna Wibawa, M.Pd said that UNY has strong commitment to become world class university. A number of strategies were taken seriously to mobilize all potentials so that they could optimally continue to improve the quality and contribution of UNY at the international level. UNY encourages students' academic and non-academic achievements at national, regional and international levels. UNY is also push further potential collaboration with industry, active participation on scientific forum and international seminar. Changes in the higher education system in Indonesia require UNY to be more flexible and adaptive. The program of Merdeka Belajar:Kampus Merdeka encourage UNY to plan and implement innovative program.

UNY 56th Anniversary theme is “Local and National Wisdom for Competitive UNY”. This is part of UNY commitment to preserve and strengthen local and national wisdom value as important capital to enhance national, regional and international excellence. The ceremony also awarded Prof. Herman Dwi Surjono, Dr. Rita Eka Izzaty, Dr. Cepi Safruddin Abdul Jabbar and Dr. Pujianto as outstanding lecturers. The alumni award was awarded to Sigit Suryono, M.Pd as a teacher at SMPN 1 Wonosari and Drs. Mardiyo as the Head of Kulonprogo Regency Community and Village Empowerment Office Division. For award on Best Practice award of learning innovation, the first winner was Andian Ari Anggraeni, M.Sc, a lecturer at FT UNY, the second winner was Afri Yudantono, M.Pd, a lecturer at FT UNY, and the third winner was Dr. Supardi, a lecturer at FIS UNY. (Dedy; Tj.Lak)