Pekanbaru, 20 January 2026 — Universitas Riau, in collaboration with PT Pegadaian, held the Handover and Inauguration of The Gade Creative Lounge (TGCL) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. The event took place at the Academic Support Unit (UPA) Building of the Universitas Riau Library, Bina Widya Campus, Pekanbaru.
The inauguration of The Gade Creative Lounge represents a collaborative effort between Universitas Riau and PT Pegadaian to support the development of creativity, literacy, and collaborative spaces for students and the academic community. TGCL is designed as an open space that can be utilized for discussions, creative activities, and the development of innovative ideas within the campus environment.
In her remarks, the Rector of Universitas Riau, Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti, S.E., M.Si., stated that the presence of TGCL is part of the university’s efforts to enrich the learning ecosystem beyond the classroom.
The Gade Creative Lounge is expected to become a productive space for students to create, discuss, and develop their potential. This aligns with Universitas Riau’s commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment that is adaptive to the needs of the times.
The President Director of PT Pegadaian, Darma Lestari Setiawan, emphasized that the TGCL program is a tangible form of PT Pegadaian’s contribution to supporting the education sector.
We hope that The Gade Creative Lounge will be optimally utilized by students and the academic community as a space for collaboration, creativity, and literacy enhancement, while also strengthening the synergy between the education sector and state-owned enterprises, he said.
A representative of the Riau Provincial Government, Indra, S.E., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Universitas Riau and PT Pegadaian in providing a creative space on campus. He considered TGCL a strategic facility in supporting the capacity development of the younger generation.
The presence of this creative space is a positive step in encouraging students to become more innovative and adaptive to future challenges.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Riau Provincial Education Office, H. Erisman Yahya, M.H., represented by Anda Diah Anggraini, conveyed that TGCL aligns with efforts to strengthen the quality of human resources through creative and collaborative education.
Spaces such as The Gade Creative Lounge are important supporting facilities in building a culture of literacy and creativity among students.
The Head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Riau Province, Triyoga Laksito, viewed TGCL as a strategic facility for enhancing literacy, including financial literacy, among students.
This creative space can serve as an effective educational medium, not only for idea development but also for increasing literacy awareness that is relevant to the needs of the younger generation.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Riau, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., who was interviewed after the event, stated that the presence of TGCL is highly relevant to current student needs.
A space like The Gade Creative Lounge provides students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, discussion skills, and creativity in an open setting. It serves as an important support for contextual learning and strengthening student capacity beyond the classroom,” explained Dr. Meyzi.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by the signing of the TGCL plaque, the cutting of a jasmine garland, a tour of the facilities, and a joint press conference. Through the inauguration of TGCL, Universitas Riau and PT Pegadaian reaffirm their shared commitment to creating a campus environment that supports creativity, literacy, and the sustainable development of student potential.
(RIRY)
