Note by: Muhammad Nur
“Derap Pena is becoming a ‘meaningful work’ for science and humanity. It is fitting that the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Diponegoro University has permanently placed the slogan in front of its campus: Discover, Manage, and Give the Best.”
Her name is Derap Pena. It’s indeed unique. The full name of this Diponegoro University physics graduate is Derap Pena Mukti Sari. Her achievements in the Physics study program were not extraordinary. What is remarkable about this cheerful student is her interest in plasma physics and nuclear fusion. Along with some of her friends, I recommended that she participate in the ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion. Derap Pena attended this school twice.
- The 8th ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion and SOKENDAI Asian School (May 29 – June 2, 2023), Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand.
- The 9th ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion (January 15-19, 2024), Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT), Thailand.
Starting Nuclear Fusion
Derap Pena began studying tokamak plasma in my class. The ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion piqued her particular interest. Her thesis, “Study of Hydrogen Plasma Discharge Phase in the Golem Tokamak Reactor,” focuses on tokamak plasma, the foundation of nuclear fusion. A fusion power plant has yet to be realized in the world.
It involves energy from the fusion reaction of light atomic nuclei, similar to what occurs in the sun and stars. The Golem Tokamak Reactor is located in Prague, Czech Republic. Data from Golem can be accessed online when it is in operation. Her interest in plasma science and technology led Derap to join the Center for Plasma Research, which we established in 2005. This plasma research center is quite prominent in Indonesia and well-known in its community. The center has produced four commercial products and a spin-off business company.
Entering a World-Class University
This student, born in Ogan Komering Ulu, South Sumatra, on February 10, 2002, has an extraordinary drive to progress. She completed her undergraduate program in 3.5 years with an unusual thesis topic—complex and highly prospective for the future. In January and February 2024, I frequently recommended that Derap apply to various universities, particularly in France, which is now a global center for nuclear fusion research.
In Southern France, Cadarache is the largest technology research center in Europe. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is located there. Researchers from around the world in the field of nuclear fusion are completing their ITER research there. It is the epicenter of future energy technology, emulating the fusion reactions that occur in the sun. Luck and sustenance from Allah cannot be swapped. Man jadda wajadda—those who strive will succeed.
Derap received a letter from the President of Université Paris-Saclay (UPS), dated June 14, 2024. She is officially a student at this world-class university. According to QS, the UPS Physics Department ranks 14th in the world. Overall, Université Paris-Saclay ranks 71st in the world.
The letter emphasized that Derap must arrive in Paris on August 29, 2024, and start her Master’s in Physics (with English as the medium of instruction) on September 2, 2024. Interestingly, her entire education is funded by the French government through the Bourse Gouvernement de la France (BGF).
In 2022, physicist Alain Aspect, a professor in the UPS physics department, won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on Quantum Entanglement. Alhamdulillah, UNDIP physics graduates are beginning to gain attention from prestigious universities that have produced many Nobel laureates.
I recall attending a lecture by Alain Aspect almost 30 years ago at the Polygone Scientific in Grenoble, a city home to numerous world-class research centers. At that time, there were not many significant experiments on quantum entanglement, but many predicted that Alain would make a unique mark on the world of science.
Opportunities for the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at UNDIP
Derap Pena Mukti Sari’s acceptance at Université Paris-Saclay brings new and renewed enthusiasm to the Physics Department at Diponegoro University. One of its graduates being accepted at a top-ranked global university and in the 14th-ranked Physics department opens up new collaboration opportunities. For the faculty and the university, this could enhance the university’s performance indicators (KPI) if a partnership is established between UPS and UNDIP.
Opportunities come infrequently. Even the most minor opportunities should be gratefully acknowledged and carefully nurtured for the benefit of all, including the nation. In this brief note, as an advisor, I ask for prayers from the academic community for Derap to succeed as a student at UPS.
“Derap Pena is becoming a ‘meaningful work’ for science and humanity. It is fitting that the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Diponegoro University has permanently placed the slogan in front of its campus: Discover, Manage, and Give the Best.” Hopefully.
Muhammad Nur, Semarang, July 6, 2024.
