USU PR – The GEMA KAMPUS National Festival at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) was held in a lively yet meaningful atmosphere. Thousands of students and people from various age groups in Medan gathered at the peak of the National Festival, which not only offered excitement but also provided deep reflection on the meaning of nationalism. The event took place at the USU Mini Stadium on Saturday night (11/8/2025).

Prior to the performance by Slank as the guest star, the Rector of USU, Prof. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., delivered the opening remarks at the peak night of the “GEMA KAMPUS” National Festival. The event was attended by representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the Medan City Government, the High Prosecutor’s Office, Kodam I/Bukit Barisan, as well as thousands of participants from various campuses and communities.

Prof. Muryanto Amin expressed his gratitude that the event, resulting from collaboration with the Indonesian State Universities Rectors Forum (Majelis Rektor Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Indonesia/MRPTNI) and held in Medan with Universitas Sumatera Utara as the host, was successfully carried out until the end. “Hopefully, this activity provides a deep meaning about the importance of unity and solidarity,” said Prof. Mury.

“We must no longer be divided. Differences are a blessing from God Almighty that we must be grateful for together. Tonight, we unite, join hands for a better and stronger Indonesia,” Prof. Mury added before the thousands of young people who filled the venue.

The Rector of USU emphasized that the GEMA KAMPUS Festival is the result of collaboration among many parties who share the same vision of building a diverse and multicultural Indonesia through education. “This event is a manifestation of cooperation and collective prayers so that Indonesia, in all its diversity, can unite to build education. We must not lose the blessings of this evening,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to all security personnel, including the police, who helped ensure the smooth and safe running of the event. The GEMA KAMPUS Festival became a symbol of the meeting of ideas, culture, and national spirit. By involving academics, artists, musicians, and students from various regions, USU reaffirmed its commitment as an inclusive campus oriented toward character building and national development.

“Let us make tonight a momentum to strengthen our commitment to nationalism and education rooted in the values of unity,” Prof. Muryanto concluded.

That evening, Slank performed 17 of their signature songs. Slank emphasized that their songs are not merely about enthusiasm, but also reflections of Indonesia’s recurring social and national realities.

Meanwhile, national musician and visual creator Alffy Rev appeared not only as a performer, but also as a catalyst for national discourse among the younger generation. Alffy stated that music has become his primary medium for conveying messages of nationalism and building collective awareness.

Prior to the peak night, USU also hosted Rector’s Expressions (REx) #2, which carried the theme “Energy Innovation and Cultural Reconstruction for Sustainable Civilization,” an interactive dialogue involving rectors and leaders from various state universities across Indonesia.

The Chair of the Indonesian State Universities Rectors Forum (Majelis Rektor Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Indonesia), Prof. Dr. Ir. Eduart Wolok, S.T., M.T., in his remarks emphasized that the campus generation is not merely a consumer of identity, but a producer of national values. “The campus generation interprets the nation through music, innovation, and research. MRPTNI seeks to ensure that this creative energy continues to grow and be well guided,” he said.