The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKG USK), commemorated the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia through a series of celebratory activities held on Monday (August 17, 2026).
The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a series of competitions and an awards ceremony involving the entire FKG USK academic community, including lecturers, administrative staff, as well as new and active students.
The ceremony was led by Ners. Afdhal Siddiq, S.Kep, representing the Dean of FKG USK, Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio. In his address, he encouraged students to view independence not merely as a historical legacy, but also as a responsibility to continue learning and serving society. He emphasized that while the nation’s heroes fought with weapons, today’s dentistry students continue the struggle through knowledge in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical settings while caring for patients.
“Let us make the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia a momentum to continue learning, creating, achieving, maintaining unity, and contributing to society. Let us fill our independence with quality education, knowledge, integrity, compassion, and meaningful contributions,” said Ners. Afdhal Siddiq in his address.
The Dean of FKG USK, Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio, was also present and delivered closing remarks at the end of the celebration. He expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee, lecturers, administrative staff, and students for successfully holding the Independence Day celebration in a solemn yet festive atmosphere. The presence of the faculty leadership alongside students in the same moment further strengthened the sense of closeness and family within FKG USK.
“Let us fill our independence with achievements. Let us build FKG USK with a spirit of togetherness. And let us prove that FKG USK students are a generation that is excellent, possesses integrity, is innovative, and creates an impact on society. May this spirit of togetherness continue to be maintained—not only through activities like today’s celebration, but also throughout the educational process, organizations, and student activities, until you become professional dentists who are beneficial to society,” he said.
He also encouraged FKG USK students to become a generation of young dental entrepreneurs who are courageous in pursuing innovation and progress while continuing to uphold good character, integrity, and concern for others. At the end of his remarks, he expressed appreciation to the organizing committee and the faculty leadership for their active participation and the spirit of togetherness demonstrated throughout the event.
Congratulations were also extended to the winners of the competitions, while other participants were encouraged not to be discouraged, as true victory lies not only in winning but also in the process and togetherness built throughout the activities.
Through the 81st Anniversary celebration of Indonesian Independence, FKG USK hopes that the spirit of togetherness fostered during the event will continue to grow—not only in ceremonial activities, but also throughout education, organizational activities, and student life, preparing students to become professional dentists who are excellent, possess integrity, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Happy 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Merdeka!
