First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Kak Lala, as the head of HRD, who has guided me from the beginning of the upgrade until the completion of this project. The online meeting in January resulted in several staff in HRD being appointed project coordinators for HRD projects for the next year. I was appointed as the project coordinator for UG 2023. Initially, I was kind of hesitant because it was my first time being a leader in a project that involved many people. Additionally, as a person who’s a bit shy about speaking in front of a public audience, it was quite a challenge for me. But, Thank God, those anxieties eventually came to an end.
It would be nice for us to get started on this particular project first. Similar to previous years, the core definition of upgrading is to enhance the bonding among the crew or committee of SAFEL after the halfway point of their term. Upgrading serves as a remedy for the boredom that the SAFEL crews may have experienced thus far. What could possibly be causing their boredom? So, this student organization has conducted two big projects: the International Cultural Festival “FESBUD” and UNESCHO. The preparation for these two projects has been quite physically and mentally draining, let alone the day of the event. Therefore, it’s hoped that Upgrading will reignite enthusiasm and motivation for the SAFEL’s crew’s performance until the end of their farewell.
Upgrading 2023, held on Thursday until Friday, June 22–23, 2023, at Anoman Inn, Parangtritis, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta The venue for Upgrading this year was chosen because the cost was cheaper than the venue at the Gunung Kidul Inn. And why can the crews get the Anoman Inn? Because one of the crews got the Inn information from his cousin.
Day by day passed, the D-day was closer. All of the crews have rushed into their jobs. Finally, the day has come. The sereval crews have arrived at 11.30 AM in preparation for the event. These include checking sound, cleaning the venue, and many other things we got to do. Then, the members have to arrive at 14.30 PM. After that, they’re just cleaning up their stuff or something like that. Next, the opening of the event has begun. There are some opening remarks by MC, the head of SAFEL, and the head of Upgrading 2023. Then, the material session is no less important with the theme “Emotional Support”. Next session is “Kertas Berputar.” It’s like you write your impression to your friends with a papper, and then the papper just turns around. Then, rest time has come. We’re preparing for the performance session. Honestly, this session can make you laugh. Following the completion of the performance, the next item on the agenda is to evaluate each department. This moment contains emotional feelings.
Day 2, in my opinion, is really exciting. Why? Because this day has some fun agenda, it’s like outbonding, quizzing, and enjoying the waves of the beach. Outbonding, in my opinion, can provide new geographic knowledge. Besides that, embracing teamwork can get you out of trouble. After the outing, we just take a break to enjoy the beach. After we’ve had fun on the beach, at 10.42 AM, we go back to the inn to pray jum’ah for boys. The last session is the closing of the event. There are some agenda items, like impressions for this event, exchange gifts, and gifts for who has won in the performing session, quiz, and outbond.
After the closing session, all participants hoped to check their belongings to ensure that they were not left at the inn. The time shows 14:00 PM, and the bus came to pick them up. We arrived at UNY at 15.30 PM. After taking a break, the crew did an evaluation of the event at 16.00 PM.
That’s all for a brief anthology for Upgrading 2023. There are many things that need to be improved in the future so that Upgrading next year can run even better, both internally and externally. That’s all. If there are any shortcomings, I apologize sincerely and thank you to all parties involved. See you!
-Muhammad Haikal Muthahhari
