Semarang, January 23, 2025 – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has commenced the year 2025 with a series of Inauguration Ceremony of Professors, held at the Prof. Sudarto, S.H. Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. On the fourth day of the ceremonies, Thursday, January 23, 2025, four professors from various faculties were officially inaugurated: Prof. Dr. dr. Bagoes Widjanarko, MPH., from the Faculty of Public Health; Prof. Dr. Drs. Agus Subiyanto, M.A., from the Faculty of Humanities; Prof. dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto, M.Si.Med., Sp.And (K)., M.M.R., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Medicine; and Prof. Akhmad Syakir Kurnia, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Economics and Business.
The event began with an inaugural speech by Prof. Dr. dr. Bagoes Widjanarko, MPH., an expert in Public Health Behavior Science, delivered a presentation titled “Community Empowerment in Supporting Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination.” Prof. Bagoes emphasized the importance of integrating community involvement through a top-down approach to achieve Indonesia’s target of TB elimination by 2030. With high transmission rates and low public literacy, community empowerment is seen as a key factor in improving knowledge, reducing stigma, and ensuring successful treatment outcomes. Prof. Bagoes proposed the TOSS TB Program (Find, Treat, Cure) as a strategic initiative to break the chain of transmission. Furthermore, health promotion that empowers communities is considered a practical approach to fostering behavioral changes that support the success of TB elimination programs.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Drs. Agus Subiyanto, M.A., an expert in Micro Linguistics, presented his inaugural speech titled “Linguistic Landscape Studies Model in the Pecinan Area of Jawa Island.” This study focuses on the use of public signage in multicultural spaces, such as Pecinan, to understand cultural interactions, social dynamics, and the influence of globalization. Prof. Agus explained that micro-linguistic approaches, such as phonological, morphological, and semantic analysis, are essential to identify the structure and meaning of these signs. This study not only supports language preservation but can also encourage the development of tourism through inclusive language policies. In the next five years, he plans to expand linguistic landscape research to other multicultural public spaces and digital platforms to examine the dynamics of language in the era of globalization.
Next, Prof. dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto, M.Si.Med., Sp.And (K)., M.M.R., Ph.D., an expert in Andrology Reproductive Medicine, delivered his inaugural speech titled “Diagnosis and Management of Sexual Developmental Disorders in an Integrative and Comprehensive Approach.” Prof. Zulfa explained that Sexual Developmental Disorders refer to congenital conditions where chromosomal, gonadal, or sexual anatomical development is abnormal, no longer referred to as hermaphroditism or ambiguous genitalia. The risk of gonadal cancer in Sexual Developmental Disorders patients is very high, reaching 30% in those we treat. Management of Sexual Developmental Disorders is a challenge for patients, their families, and the doctors handling the cases. At the end of his speech, Prof. dr. Zulfa guided the audience, advising that if they encounter someone with Sexual Developmental Disorders symptoms, the patient should be referred to the Department of Human Genetic Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR) at the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP for staged physical diagnostic evaluations, chromosomal, hormonal, and molecular analysis, as well as psychological examination.
Prof. Akhmad Syakir Kurnia, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., an expert in Central Banking and Monetary Policy, delivered his presentation titled “Policy Credibility: A Critical Review of Macroeconomic Behavioral Economics.” In his speech, Prof. Syakir discussed behavioral economics, which provides a more realistic perspective on human behavior. “By considering the social, political, and environmental context, we can design more inclusive and sustainable economic policies. However, credibility is a challenge in creating optimal economic conditions. Policy credibility is related to inconsistencies over time that often weaken policy effectiveness,” stated Prof. Syakir. If the government or the nation does not uphold its commitments, the public will respond in ways that can undermine the policy’s impact. Conversely, credible, transparent, and consistent policies will strengthen positive expectations and encourage behaviors that support the success of these policies.
The Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., was present at the ceremony to extend congratulations, appreciation, and recognition. The title of professor represents the highest level of academic achievement, meaning they have reached a point of personal fulfillment and are now ready to serve at Universitas Diponegoro, dedicating their knowledge to students, the campus, and society.
Prof. Suharnomo expressed his hope for UNDIP’s continued growth and reputation. “I hope the professors take responsibility for ensuring that UNDIP gains a strong academic reputation and global recognition,” he emphasized.
“However, accreditation and certification are not the ultimate goal. The real goal is to make UNDIP a great and attractive place where all works of service can flourish,” he continued.
He hoped that the commitment and calling of being a teacher would always remain in their hearts. “No matter what happens, teachers must spread knowledge that benefits the independence of UNDIP graduates. By providing the best education and maintaining the integrity of that knowledge, just like UNDIP’s tagline, Noble and Valuable,” concluded Prof. Suharnomo at the end of his speech. (Marta, Catur Wulan; ed. DHW)
