
The atmosphere at the 9th graduation ceremony for AKOM students on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
SUMBAWA — A total of 478 students from Akademi Komunitas Olat Maras (AKOM) Sumbawa were officially conferred during the 9th Graduation Ceremony held at the Dea Mas Creative Public Space on Saturday (Sept 12, 2026). With this, they are entitled to hold the Associate Degree in Heavy Equipment Engineering (AP.TAB).
The graduates come from two study programs: the D1 Heavy Equipment Engineering Study Program and the D2 Renewable Energy Engineering Study Program.
The graduation procession was attended by the Regent of Sumbawa—represented by the Assistant for Social and Public Welfare, the Chairperson of the Sumbawa Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) along with several DPRD members, officials from LLDIKTI Region VIII, and the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Dea Mas Foundation, Dr. Zulkieflimansyah, SE., M.Sc.
In his remarks, the Director of AKOM Sumbawa, Fajar Rachmat, S.I.Kom., motivated the graduates to view the graduation not as the end of their learning process, but as the beginning of facing the challenges of life and the workforce.
Fajar stated that the success of the graduates on that day was the result of a long journey filled with struggle, sacrifices of time and energy, and family support.
He also reminded the graduates not to forget the role of their parents and families who supported them until the completion of their education.
“Today is not merely an academic ceremony. Today marks the beginning of a journey,” Fajar said in his address.
According to him, the diplomas received by the graduates are not just academic documents, but symbols of the perseverance they endured throughout their studies.
Therefore, he urged the graduates to remain humble and appreciate their parents and families who have been a vital part of their educational journey.
Fajar then emphasized the vocational education character that defines AKOM’s identity.
He noted that AKOM aims not only to produce graduates who understand theory, but also possess the skills and ability to apply them in the workplace.
“The workforce does not just need smart people. The workforce needs people who are disciplined, responsible, capable of teamwork, able to communicate, adaptable, and possess integrity,” he stated.
Emphasizing Occupational Safety
To the graduates of the D1 Heavy Equipment Engineering program, Fajar delivered a special message to apply all competencies acquired during their education with a strong emphasis on precision, discipline, and occupational safety.
He reminded them that operating heavy machinery is not solely about the ability to control equipment, but also involves a great responsibility toward the safety of oneself and others.
“Be operators and professionals who are not only skilled at handling machinery, but also understand that safety is non-negotiable,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, for the Renewable Energy Engineering graduates, Fajar urged them to continuously develop their skills in tandem with technological shifts and future energy needs.
He emphasized that the knowledge gained in college should be regarded as a foundation for continuous learning, not as a finishing line.
“Never stop learning. What you learned at AKOM is a foundation, not the end of the line,” he advised.
Alumni Urged to Be Part of the Solution
Fajar also encouraged AKOM graduates not to simply aim to be job seekers. The alumni are expected to become part of the solution for industrial needs and regional development.
He noted that Sumbawa holds immense potential with ongoing developments in the mining, industrial, energy, and technology sectors. This condition demands local human resources equipped with relevant competencies.
“When industries need skilled labor, AKOM alumni must be ready. When the region needs innovation, AKOM alumni must be present,” he said.
He hoped that the alumni would uphold the reputation of their alma mater through their competence, integrity, and contributions to society.
Fajar also advised the graduates to maintain the good name of their families and alma mater wherever they go.
“Wherever you work, be a trustworthy person. If given a responsibility, fulfill it. If you make a mistake, have the courage to admit it,” he remarked.
AKOM Opens Poultry Agribusiness Study Program
On this occasion, the Director of AKOM also shared new developments in the journey of the vocational education institution.
AKOM Sumbawa, Fajar stated, will continue to develop its educational programs to become increasingly relevant to contemporary times and regional needs.
One such step is the opening of the Poultry Agribusiness Study Program this year.
The launch of this new study program is part of AKOM’s commitment to expanding the scope of vocational education while responding to the demand for human resources in a sector with high regional development potential.
“We realize that much work remains to be done. However, we hold one commitment: AKOM will continue to grow, learn, innovate, and strive to deliver vocational education that is relevant to the needs of the times and the region,” Fajar stated.
He also expressed his appreciation to the parents and families of the graduates, lecturers, educational staff, committee members, and all parties who supported the students’ educational journey up to this graduation milestone.
The 9th Graduation Ceremony of AKOM Sumbawa also marked the addition of hundreds of skilled professionals from two areas of expertise—Heavy Equipment Engineering and Renewable Energy Engineering—who are expected to take active roles in the workforce and in the development of Sumbawa Regency and beyond.
To the graduates, Fajar wished that their achievements would not stop at personal success, but also bring benefits to the broader community.
“Safe journey toward the future. Happy creating. Happy serving. Proud to be alumni of Akademi Komunitas Olat Maras,” he concluded.