Diponegoro University (UNDIP) held the Purna Adi Cendekia academic ceremony at the Prof. Soedarto, SH building on the UNDIP Tembalang campus on Tuesday (June 11). Purna Adi Cendekia is an award given to professors who have officially retired. On this occasion, the award was given to three professors: Prof. Drs. Sudharto P. Hadi, MES, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP); Prof. Dr. Mudjahirin Thohir, M.S. from the Faculty of Humanities (FIB); and Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Prabandiyani Retno Wardani, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Engineering (FT).
In his speech, the Rector of Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed gratitude to the retired professors for their contributions and innovations that have advanced UNDIP, providing both academic value and community development that has gained national and international recognition. “UNDIP belongs to all of us; let us work together, achieve excellence, and inspire each other for a beneficial and dignified UNDIP,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
In his introduction, the Chair of the Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU, also thanked the three retiring professors. “UNDIP thanks you for your contributions to the advancement of national education, the development of science and technology, and the benefits for society,” said Prof. Edy Rianto.
Starting the scientific speech at the Purna Adi Cendekia academic ceremony, Prof. Drs. Sudharto P. Hadi, MES, Ph.D., who served as Rector of UNDIP from 2010 to 2014, presented his thoughts titled “Regenerative Sustainable Development Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.” He highlighted that environmental issues remain a concern with widespread damage and pollution. In 2023, there were 4940 disasters, averaging 15-17 per day, with West Java experiencing 755 disasters; Central Java 580; South Kalimantan 490; and East Kalimantan 252. Prof. Sudharto, a Professor of Environmental Management appointed on October 12, 1990, delivered a scientific speech titled “Community-Based and Partnership Environmental Management,” which proposed solutions to environmental problems arising during the New Order era and the transition to reform. Due to ongoing environmental damage and pollution driven by development focusing more on economic growth, sectoral ego, and lack of community participation, he proposed the concept of “Regenerative Sustainable Development Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” integrating economic growth with environmental quality improvement.
The speech was followed by a scientific presentation by Prof. Dr. Mudjahirin Thohir, M.S., a retiring professor from the Faculty of Humanities (FIB). Prof. Mudjahirin’s thoughts were titled “UNDIP and Multicultural Civilization.” He emphasized that UNDIP, as an educational institution, has important goals, including affirming and enhancing the quality of morals (civilization), especially among students and generally within the academic community. He explained that morals should be the foundation in the field of science and social life, as the main task of human life is makarimal akhlaq, the nobility of morals. In the educational environment, the ideal morals of the scientific community should encompass five elements: universalism (research based on scientific benefits); organized skepticism (all evidence can be tested); disinterestedness (neutrality); communalism (knowledge must be shared); and honesty and justice.
The next retiring professor, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Prabandiyani Retno Wardani, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Engineering, delivered a scientific speech titled “The Long Journey to Academic Success Begins with Small Steps.” She started as a Civil Servant in 1981 with the rank of 2b (Bachelor). She served at UNDIP in the Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department for 40 years, taking on additional tasks beyond her leading role as a lecturer. She held positions in both national and international professional organizations, becoming the first woman to earn a master’s, doctorate, and professorship in the Faculty of Engineering at UNDIP. Her scientific speech aimed to inspire the younger generation, especially women, to advance and persist in learning. (Ut-Public Relations)
