UNDIP, Semarang (January 20, 2024) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) today began a series of events for the inauguration of 36 UNDIP Professors, which will take place at the end of January and early February. On the first day, UNDIP inaugurated 5 Professors who presented their research findings that contribute to society.
Among them are Professors from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, namely Prof. Dr. Drs. Tarno, M.Si.; Prof. Drs. Pratama Jujur Wibawa, M.Si., Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Drs. Rukun Santoso, M.Si., and Prof. Yayuk Astuti, S.Si., Ph.D. Also, 1 (one) Professor from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, namely Prof. Dr. Dra. Kismartini, M.Si.
In his introduction, the Chairman of the UNDIP Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., I.P.U., stated that with the inauguration of these new professors, UNDIP now has even more professors. This achievement marks one of the indicators of the increasing quality of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. “Currently, UNDIP has 262 active professors, consisting of 233 Permanent Professors and 129 Non-Permanent Professors,” he stated.
Prof. Edy also emphasized that being appointed as a professor is not just an acknowledgment of one’s ability in their field but also carries the task and responsibility to develop and disseminate the knowledge they possess for the benefit of society and the nation’s greatness.
During the event, each professor presented various innovations and research findings they had worked on for years. Prof. Dr. Drs. Tarno, M.Si., an expert in Time Series Analysis, presented a scientific speech titled “Application of Soft Computing-Based Time Series Model for Agricultural Production Prediction.” He explained the rapid development of non-parametric soft computing statistical models that can be used to predict agricultural production results. Using the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) approach, this model addresses the challenges of processing complex data to assist decision-making in the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, Prof. Drs. Pratama Jujur Wibawa, M.Si., Ph.D., an expert in Carbon Material Chemistry, presented research on “Remediation of Fertile Soil Using Micro-particle Activated Carbon for Rice Farming.” His innovation focuses on utilizing biochar from biomass waste to improve soil porosity in dry land. This technology is expected to transform unproductive soil into fertile land, creating opportunities for rice cultivation in barren and coastal areas.
Prof. Dr. Drs. Rukun Santoso, M.Si., an expert in Statistical Computations, discussed “The Role of Statistical Computations in Disruptive Data Modeling.” He presented methods like wavelet and machine learning as optimal techniques for analyzing disruptive or complex big data. This technology aids in efficient data processing for various purposes, from research to decision-making.
One of the youngest professors inaugurated today, Prof. Yayuk Astuti, S.Si., Ph.D., an expert in Physical Chemistry of Materials, presented on “Utilization of Bismuth Oxide Photocatalysts as an Innovation for Treating Synthetic Dye Wastewater.” Her research found that bismuth oxide can accelerate the degradation of synthetic dyes from textile industry waste. This finding offers a more environmentally friendly solution for textile waste management compared to conventional methods.
Prof. Dr. Dra. Kismartini, M.Si., an expert in Environmental Policy Analysis, proposed the “Pentahelix Collaboration Model in Achieving Sustainable Coastal Policy.” She highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, the public, and the media in creating inclusive coastal policies. This model is expected to promote environmental sustainability and the economic potential of coastal areas.
In his speech, UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., stated that this inauguration is an essential moment for UNDIP to strengthen its position as a leading university that actively contributes to the development of science and provides solutions to national issues.
Professors are considered intellectuals. They are at the highest level of achievement, with sharp minds, quick understanding, intelligence, and skill. An intellectual is someone who quickly understands situations and skillfully finds solutions,” said the UNDIP Rector.
“Hopefully, the inauguration of professors will be a momentum for us to position ourselves not only in achieving the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—such as education, research, and community service—but also in policies and the good life, serving as the best role models that UNDIP has,” he emphasized.
At the end of his speech, the Rector hoped that the professors inaugurated today would contribute to the institution in achieving a high global reputation and becoming leading actors in making UNDIP Noble and Valuable. (DHW)
