The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), began the construction of the FMIPA UI Reading Terrace with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI Campus, Depok, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The reading terrace will occupy an area of 6 x 21 meters near the FMIPA UI motorcycle parking lot. This new facility is designed as a communal space for students to study, discuss, and relax outside of academic activities.

The construction of the Reading Terrace is a joint initiative between the faculty leadership and Dr. Mas Ayu Elita Hafizah, an alumna of the Materials Science Study Program, Class of 2009. The idea emerged from a concern for students’ need for a comfortable and functional open space.

The Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., expressed his appreciation to the alumni involved in the project.

“We are deeply grateful to the alumni, especially Dr. Ayu, who has been the main driving force behind the construction of this Reading Terrace. The tangible contributions of our alumni are a true expression of love for their alma mater,” said Prof. Dede.

He added that the Reading Terrace will provide additional space for student activities, which have so far been limited within the FMIPA UI environment.

“Facilities like this will be an important addition to enhance students’ comfort and productivity,” he said.

The construction of the Reading Terrace also received support from two alumni of the Physics Study Program: Antonius Sada Ekartama (Class of 1983), Director of PT Sada Ekatama, who contributed to the interior design, and Ezhar Manaf (Class of 1985), Director of PT Hilal Perdana Kreasi, who provided financial support for the construction.

Dr. Mas Ayu shared that the idea for the construction began from a casual conversation with the Dean.

 “It started as a casual chat with the Dean, but it eventually developed into a project we, as alumni, consider important. I later shared the idea with Mr. Sada and Mr. Ezhar, and we agreed to support it together,” said Dr. Ayu.

She added, “We hope this Reading Terrace will become a comfortable, inspiring, and of course, Instagrammable spot for FMIPA UI students.”

The President of the FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM), Muhammad Ridho Alfarabi, described the Reading Terrace as one of the most highly anticipated facilities.

“We truly appreciate the attention from the alumni and the faculty. We’ve long awaited the presence of the Reading Terrace, and it will become a new space that inspires us to learn and create,” he said.

The groundbreaking ceremony was carried out by Prof. Dede Djuhana and Antonius Sada Ekartama, witnessed by the faculty leadership, student representatives, and alumni.

On the same occasion, FMIPA UI also launched D’tara Café, a minimalist café located adjacent to the Reading Terrace construction area. The presence of this café is expected to complement the campus atmosphere, making it more vibrant and comfortable.

“The combination of the Reading Terrace and D’tara Café will become a favorite spot for students to study and socialize,” said Prof. Dede.

The construction of the FMIPA UI Reading Terrace is targeted for completion in early 2026 and is expected to become a new icon representing the collaboration between alumni, the faculty, and students.