Reporter: Muhammad Fathur Ammar
Suara USU, Medan. GMNI’s National Student Movement of Indonesia (GMNI) USU Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) branch held a new member inauguration together with the celebration of the 70th GMNI birthday with the theme “Walking Together to Realize Hope” on Saturday (3/23/2024). The event was held offline at the FISIP field from 6:00 pm until it ended.
According to the parties involved, this GMNI event was unique because the inauguration of new members and the celebration of GMNI’s birthday were held simultaneously. Usually, these two important GMNI events are held separately. To enliven the event, GMNI’s FISIP USU branch also invited new members to be inaugurated, alumni, invited guests, and representatives from various GMNI boards both at the USU level and representatives of GMNI branches in the city of Medan.
Erga Dwo Winatra, the MC who is also a new member to be inaugurated, stated that by holding hands in the National Student Movement of Indonesia, its members not only walk together but also strengthen each other in realizing the aspirations for the progress of the nation and positive change in society. The inauguration and celebration of GMNI’s 70th birthday should symbolize the collaboration and unity of students and the nation.
In addition to the inauguration, the event was enlivened by traditional dances by Winda Tambunan from USU’s Ethnomusicology accompanied by music from the group Aek natio etnik. This was followed by a performance of Parmossak or martial arts from Batak Toba. This is because the event also aimed to raise awareness and cultural concern among students, especially regarding culture in North Sumatra. This was stated by Diga Adlinta Pinem, the commissioner of GMNI’s FISIP USU branch, who expressed that the event is not just ceremonial but carries a message. “In the event, we also bring ethnic or cultural campaigns like previous GMNI events as a reminder to the youth to continue preserving culture because culture is a nation’s identity,” he said.
Despite facing various obstacles in preparing for the event such as the rainy weather causing a slight delay and the campus authorities not attending even after being invited. However, the event continued and the new members actively participated and expressed their happiness. This was expressed by Ridho Novtiaziz Ginting, one of the new members. “After being inaugurated, I feel happy to officially be part of GMN FISIP USU, may GMNI always be victorious,” Ridho concluded.
Editor: Khaira Nazira