West Java Governor’s Message at IAI Al-Azis Graduation: Between Pantun, Noble Values, and the Challenges of the Times
By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I. ME.
The atmosphere at Mini Zeteso Al Zaytun that afternoon, Monday (12/15), felt different. This was not only due to the neat rows of graduation gowns, but also to the speeches that flowed lightly, humorously, yet richly meaningful. Andrie Kustria Wardana, S.STP. M.Si. CRBD, Head of the Public Welfare Bureau, representing the Governor of West Java, appeared not merely as an official, but as a liaison between values: between tradition and modernity, between local culture and global challenges.
Pantun after pantun flowed, punctuated by laughter from the audience. But behind the recurring joke of “eating tofu,” lurked a serious message about the future of Indonesia’s educated generation.
A Down-to-Earth Address, a Deeply Rooted Message
Instead of a stiff speech, Andrie chose a down-to-earth approach. He greeted each important figure one by one with warm pantun (rhymes). The initially formal atmosphere in the hall slowly melted away. This was a lively, close, embracing, and open-ended communication.
But when the laughter subsided, the core message emerged. He reminded the graduates that today’s graduates were not standing at the finish line, but at the starting point of true service.
A Rapidly Changing World: VUCA Before Us
Andrie invited the audience to consider the reality of an increasingly complex era. He said the world today is in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) situation. Change occurs rapidly, often unexpectedly, and demands a high level of adaptability.
In these conditions, a diploma is no longer a guarantee. What determines our mental readiness, character, and ability to continuously learn. The question is simple yet profound: are we ready to face these changes?
AI, Sundaneseness, and Wisdom Ahead of Its Time
Interestingly, he linked the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Sundanese local wisdom. Long before the term AI became popular, the Sundanese were familiar with the name “Ai,” a symbol of closeness, gentleness, and humanity.
The message was clear: modernity must not sever cultural roots. Technological progress must go hand in hand with the preservation of local values that shape the nation’s character. It is from this regional culture that Indonesian national culture grows.
Pancawaluya and Pancaniti: Character as the Foundation
In his speech, Andrie emphasized the values of Pancawaluya, namely cageur, bageur, bener, pinter, tur singer. A concept of the character of a complete human being: physically healthy, well-behaved, morally correct, intellectually intelligent, and skilled in facing life.
He also discussed Pancaniti, the five stages of life values:
1. Submission to God
2. Respect for fellow human beings
3. Love for the homeland
4. Firm in self-confidence
5. Maintaining friendship and tolerance
These values, he believed, are what graduates must bring to society, more important than mere academic degrees.
Verses That Become Manners
Quoting the reflection of the Governor of West Java, Andrie delivered a key phrase: “Verses become manners.” Knowledge, no matter how high, is meaningless without being embodied in attitude and behavior.
This message served as a final affirmation for the graduates: knowledge must be present in the form of manners, politeness, and social responsibility. A bachelor’s degree is not an excuse to abandon humility.
Graduation Is Not the End, But the Beginning
Closing his speech, a light, yet deeply meaningful rhyme played. Today is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of service to the nation and state.
Amidst thunderous applause, one message remained clear in the minds of the audience: in an era of rapid-fire and uncertainty, character, values, and manners remain the primary compass.
And from this rhyme-filled speech, a simple reminder emerged: Indonesia’s future is not determined solely by intelligence, but by knowledgeable individuals who remain rooted in noble values.**
Indramayu, December 17, 2025
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