YOGYAKARTA – May 5, 2025 – Two teams of students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have achieved outstanding results, securing both 2nd and 3rd place in the Hipnotic #9 National Essay Competition. The prestigious event, hosted by the Health Counselling Team of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), centered on the theme, “Bersinar Tanpa Napza Menjadi Cahaya Untuk Dunia.”
During the final round on May 4, 2025, finalists presented their work before a panel of judges, where the UGM teams were recognized for the exceptional quality of their ideas. The 3rd place prize was awarded to a team consisting of Novelia Ardian Kharimah from the Faculty of Pharmacy’s class of 2024 and Salsabilla Dwira Syaikhah. The 2nd place prize was also secured by another UGM team, comprised of Habibah Nur Aini and Imelia Putika Sari.
This achievement represents more than just a competition victory; it highlights the commitment of the younger generation to addressing critical social issues. Fundamentally, the students’ participation and the ideas presented in their essays directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The essays, which focus on anti-drug campaigns, explicitly support the goal of ensuring Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), particularly its target of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Furthermore, competitions like this serve as a tangible form of Quality Education (SDG 4), acting as an extracurricular platform to build critical awareness and insight into vital social issues. Ultimately, these educational and preventive efforts against drug abuse also support the creation of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies (SDG 16), where young people act as agents of change in fostering a safe, drug-free environment.
The organizers from UMY’s Health Counselling Team expressed their hope that the event will continue to be a positive platform for young people to sharpen their creativity, knowledge, and social concern. As mentioned at the closing ceremony, the spirit of “Shining Without Drugs, Becoming a Light for the World” is intended not just to be a slogan, but to inspire real-world action.
The UGM Faculty of Pharmacy extended its highest appreciation to Novelia Ardian Kharimah and all the students who participated and brought honor to the university. Their success proves that these students not only excel academically but also possess a strong sense of social responsibility to drive positive change for the nation.
