ESA's Recap on August 2025: Building Spirit, Unity, and Growth with ESA FKIP Universitas Riau
August arrived with a renewed sense of togetherness, reflection, and fresh steps for ESA FKIP Universitas Riau 2024/2025. This month has been more than just a continuation of our progress it has been a chance to strengthen our commitment, nurture creativity, and uphold the solidarity that unites us as one. Inspired by the spirit of independence, every division brought forward fresh energy, channeling ideas into actions that carried real impact within the organization.
From meaningful collaborations to inspiring initiatives, August has been a testament to how our collective spirit keeps ESA moving forward with purpose. The enthusiasm of our members, the synergy across teams, and the dedication to shared values have all contributed to a vibrant and meaningful journey. Together, we are building momentum not only for today but also for the exciting paths ahead.
1. PKKMB (Pengenalan Kehidupan Kampus Mahasiswa Baru)
Pekanbaru, August 8th, 2025 – Universitas Riau officially held PKKMB from July 31st to August 2nd, 2025. This year’s PKKMB theme was “"Intelektual Muda Berprestasi, Berjiwa Entrepreneur dan Berdampak Menuju Indonesia Emas 2045". The program aimed to give new students the right introduction to university life and prepare them for global challenges. It focused on helping them understand the importance of digital, data, and human literacy while building essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and lifelong learning.
The first day, July 31st, began with PKKMB activities at the university level, held at the Open Space Field and 14 Hall locations within UNRI. The morning session started at 07.00 with the arrangement of lines and registration assisted by volunteers, followed by a traditional dance performance from UKM Batra. Afterwards, all participants sang the Indonesian national anthem and the UNRI hymn. The event continued with an opening by the MC, recitation of the Qur’an, and a prayer. Reports from the committee were then delivered, followed by a speech from the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Hermandra, S.Pd., M.A., and the official opening by the Rector of Universitas Riau, Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti, S.E., M.Si. A symbolic handover of new students, represented by two students from each faculty, took place before the MC closed the morning ceremony.
At 08.45, students moved to 14 different PKKMB locations within the university. The second session began at 09.45 with the MC’s opening, followed by the introduction of UNRI’s learning system and campus life. This included presentations and videos from the Vice Rectors covering academic affairs, general and financial management, student affairs, and alumni, as well as information on planning, cooperation, and information systems. Videos introducing services from UPT TIK, UPT Language Center, UPT Library, and the UNRI Hospital were also shown.
After a short ice-breaking session, the program continued with the presentation of Universitas Riau’s core values (ASRI), discussions on living in a diverse society, national identity, terrorism prevention, sexual violence prevention (PPKS), occupational health and safety (K3L), and related video screenings. The first day’s activities concluded after the ISHOMA break with presentations from 12 student organizations at the university level.
The second day, August 1st, continued at the faculty level. FKIP UNRI freshmen attended the session at the M. Diah Building. The session lasted from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and included a public lecture and also organized by the English Education Study Program. The agenda included an introduction to the lecturers and the English Student Association (ESA) by the organizing committee.
The third and final day, August 2nd, began with registration at 07.00, followed by academic introduction sessions at the department level and presentations from department-level student organizations. These activities continued until 12.00, after which participants took a break for ISHOMA. At 14.00, students gathered at the designated meeting point at the Open Space Field, Panam Campus, for an afternoon of mobilization, entertainment, and formation rehearsals.
At 15.00, participants were arranged in lines with light entertainment, then performed the Ashar prayer at the provided location. Formation practice started at 16.00, which included various displays representing UNRI’s identity and values, such as the UNRI logo, the academic culture ASRI (Amanah, Santun, Responsif, dan Inovatif), UNRI BERDAMPAK, PKKMB 2025, UNRI UNGGUL, UNRI “Jantung Hati Masyarakat Riau”, UNRI “World Class University”, Pacu Jalur, Istana Siak, and the PKKMB 2025 slogan “STECU” (Semangat, Tangguh, Empati, Cerdas, Unggul).
The day concluded with the closing ceremony of PKKMB at the university level. The program featured a speech from the Chairman of the Alumni Association (IKA), a report from the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, and the official closing declaration by the Rector of Universitas Riau. This marked the end of a three-day orientation program designed to inspire new students, strengthen their connection to the university, and prepare them for academic and personal success in their journey ahead.
Through the 2025 PKKMB Universitas Riau, it is hoped that all new English Education students can begin their journey with strong motivation and become capable individuals who are ready to support Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045.
2. Creative Video Contest for English.Freshmen (CREVES)
Pekanbaru, August 8th, 2025 – ESA FKIP Universitas Riau 2024/2025 through the Communication and Informatics Division has successfully held a video project for new students of the English Education Study Program called Creative Video Contest for English Freshmen (CREVES) 2025. This year’s theme was: “Learning English Through Stories."
The purpose of this activity was to let the new students show their creativity by making a short introduction video. In the video, they were asked to introduce themselves, share why they chose English Education at Universitas Riau, explain how they usually study English, and give learning tips to others.
Participants uploaded their videos on Instagram Reels or TikTok with a provided caption. The deadline for submission was July 31st, 2025. During the second day of PKKMB Universitas Riau 2025 at the study program level, the committee announced the winners. Trizy Aulia Hertina Br. Depari won Best Video, Yasarah Izzati Hasya received Most Creative Video, and Rizki Ramadhan Wijaya was chosen for Most Favorite Video.
The CREVES 2025 committee sends warm congratulations to the winners and thanks all participants for their enthusiasm and creative efforts in this event.
3. Kajian Isu
Pekanbaru, August 9, 2025. Tom Lembong's legal case has further highlighted the practice of power in Indonesia. The legal process, considered heavily politicized since 2024, resulted in a 4.5-year prison sentence, seen as a form of criminalization of the opposition. President Prabowo only intervened in August 2025 by granting an abolition, which the public viewed as a political image-building measure—coming too late and failing to address the root of the problem. These two major issues both reflect serious challenges to Indonesian democracy: low public trust in the law and official history, and the danger when political narratives override the principles of justice and objectivity.
Pekanbaru, August 18, 2025. The government, through the Ministry of Culture under the leadership of Fadli Zon, is preparing an official national history book. Originally scheduled for publication on August 17, 2025, the book was postponed until the end of the year due to incomplete editing and public review. This project aims to build a unified historical narrative as an educational guide and public reference, while also updating the older version, which was deemed biased. However, the process has sparked controversy, primarily due to Fadli Zon's statements regarding the May 1998 riots, concerns about political bias, the lack of involvement of victims' groups, and the sensitivity of official history writing in Indonesia.
The controversy has deepened because Fadli Zon's statements are perceived as downplaying the suffering of the May 1998 victims, raising suspicions that the book will erase or minimize narratives of human rights violations. Historians and human rights activists have also criticized the risk of a single narrative biased toward political interests, the lack of civil society involvement, and the potential for a repeat of patterns of historical manipulation seen during the New Order era. Consequently, the public has questioned the project's credibility, while the government has been criticized for its lack of transparency and inability to engage all stakeholders in an inclusive manner.
4. ESA's Officer Training 2025
Pekanbaru, August 09th, 2025. The Membership Development Division of ESA FKIP Universitas Riau proudly presents ESA’s Officers Training 2025, held in Room D6. The event began with registration at 07.30 AM, followed by the first session on "Public Speaking" delivered by Milati Ramadhan M, who shared valuable insights on building confidence and improving communication skills in front of an audience. The second session, “How to be MOT and MCR,” was presented by Yatri Secilia, equipping participants with the essential techniques to become a professional Master of Training and Master of Ceremony. Through this program, ESA aims to strengthen the skills and confidence of its officers in fulfilling their organizational roles.
5. LEVIS (Ladies Visiting) II
Pekanbaru, Friday, August 22nd, 2025.– The Women Resource Division of the English Student Association (ESA), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Riau University, successfully held its second Ladies Visiting (LEVIS) II program under the theme "Walking Together in Women's Empowerment". This meaningful event was a formal institutional visit to Departemen Pemberdayaan Perempuan Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa (BEM) Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Riau University.
Organized by the Women Resource Division of ESA FKIP Riau University, the visit took place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the BEM FEB Secretariat. The agenda began at 3:40 PM WIB and concluded after the completion of all scheduled activities.
The program opened with moderation by Nadhira Maulidia Zulfi, followed by welcoming remarks from Nikita Aprilia, Head of the Women Resource Division of ESA FKIP Riau University, and Rahmi Sarah Auliya, Head of the Women’s Empowerment Department of BEM FEB Riau University. A prayer was then led by Nuralif Putri Fahri, before both divisions presented their respective work programs.
The highlight of the event was the Sharing and Hearing Session, where administrators from both organizations actively exchanged ideas and strengthened their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment within the university environment. The session was then concluded with closing remarks, a certificate handover, and documentation.
In her statement, Nikita Aprilia, Head of the Women Resource Division of ESA FKIP Riau University, expressed her hopes for the collaboration. “I hope this event will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two organizations,” she said.
Through LEVIS II, ESA FKIP Riau University reaffirms its dedication to fostering collaboration and building meaningful partnerships that empower women to walk together toward a brighter future.
6. Women Activity l
Pekanbaru, August 23rd, 2025. Women Activity 1, a program by the Women Resource Division, was held successfully today in Room D4. The event, which included a makeup session with the Wardah team, brought everyone together and ran smoothly from start to finish.
Women Activity 1 was attended by 40 participants, where a model was made up by the Wardah team. More than just a demonstration, it was a moment to strengthen communication, align visions, and boost team spirit for a better and more impactful Women Resource Division!
7. Maba Gethering
Pekanbaru, August 23rd, 2025 – The Membership Development Division of ESA FKIP Universitas Riau was delighted to announce the successful completion of the event, Maba Gathering 2025. The event was held at the Mini Stadium Universitas Riau on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, starting at 7:30 AM and concluding successfully.
Carrying the theme “One Step Closer: Building Bonds, Breaking Barriers”, the event created a meaningful platform for freshmen of English Education to begin their journey in ESA FKIP Universitas Riau. It was designed not only to welcome them into the academic environment but also to strengthen their sense of belonging, unity, and collaboration as the English Education class of 2025.
Maba Gathering 2025 continued the tradition as a cherished moment within ESA FKIP Universitas Riau. This year’s event provided freshmen with opportunities to connect with peers and officers, encouraging them to embrace the values of solidarity and lifelong friendship. The gathering was more than just an introduction—it was a milestone marking the start of their academic and social journey in English Education.
The agenda began with registration at 7:30 AM, followed by an opening session at 8:00 AM. At 8:30 AM, participants joined a short exercise session before being divided into groups by the moderator and guided by their respective mentors. Each group worked on a study case and then moved through a series of activity posts. The first break was scheduled at 12:00 PM and the second at 3:15 PM. After completing all activities, groups reconvened at the main gathering point for rest, followed by the closing session, which included creative yel-yel performances and the awarding of prizes.
The highlight of the program was the series of four interactive posts. At Post 1, called Eight S, participants practiced discipline and teamwork through a tongue twister challenge while learning the importance of ESA’s values. Successful groups earned a password that would later be used in Post 4. At Post 2, focused on teamwork, groups faced the tower cup challenge, where they had to build a cup pyramid using strings as a symbol of collaboration. Post 3 provided ice breaking activities that encouraged relaxation and bonding, along with short sessions introducing ESA’s values and vision. Finally, Post 4 served as evaluation, where participants were asked to reflect on what they had learned from previous posts and to recall the password. If they could not remember it, they were given lighthearted games as fun challenges. Afterward, groups rejoined their mentors and returned to the main gathering area.
Through this carefully structured agenda, Maba Gathering 2025 not only built bonds among participants but also embodied the spirit of unity, growth, and belonging. With enthusiasm, laughter, and teamwork filling the day, the event successfully provided an inspiring and memorable start to the academic year for English Education freshmen.
8. Pemilihan Duta Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris
Pekanbaru, August 31st, 2025. The long-awaited Grand Final Pemilihan Duta Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris 2025 was successfully at the Micro Teaching Room, FKIP UNRI.
The day began with registration, a warm opening, and a series of formal ceremonies, including the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, national songs, and speeches from esteemed representatives.
Following the opening, the finalists proudly showcased their skills through an Opening Number Performance and delivered inspiring speeches that reflected their leadership, vision, and dedication to English Education. The event continued with the Top 3 and Top 2 Announcements & QnA Sessions, testing their critical thinking and eloquence.
The atmosphere reached its peak with the Flashmob Performance and the most anticipated moment, the Announcement of the Winners, accompanied by the awarding of sashes and prizes. The event was closed with documentation and heartfelt appreciation to the judges, leaving a memorable mark for everyone present. Congratulations to the winners and to all finalists for their remarkable journey!
9. Mendata dan Mengelola Inventaris ESA
As August 2025 comes to a close, ESA FKIP Universitas Riau has proven its dynamic spirit through a series of impactful programs and achievements. From welcoming new students at PKKMB and CREVES, sharpening leadership skills through Officers Training, to empowering women with LEVIS II and Women Activity 1, every initiative has strengthened bonds and nurtured growth. The excitement of the English Education Ambassador contest, the warmth of Maba Gathering, and the consistency of inventory management all reflect ESA’s dedication to excellence, collaboration, and sustainability. Together, these milestones mark August not just as a month of activities, but as a testament to ESA’s commitment in shaping capable, creative, and united individuals ready to contribute to a brighter future.
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