Semarang – Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Sangkawati, M.S., a Professor of Water Resources Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), recently concluded her tenure. She delivered an oration titled “Water Usage Efficiency” during the Open Session of Purna Adi Cendekia (January 16, 2024), organized by the UNDIP Academic Senate at the Prof. Sudarto Building, Tembalang Campus. This event honored and recognized five professors who have served at Universitas Diponegoro.
In her farewell speech, Prof. Sri Sangkawati reminisced about her career, which began as a teaching assistant for the Hydraulics course with the late Mr. Ir. Suryono. In 1980, she was appointed as a Civil Servant with the rank of Laboratory Assistant, holding a Junior Bachelor’s degree. Her civil servant status was formalized in 1981 with a II/b grade, and in 1982, she was promoted to Junior Expert Assistant.
“In the same year, I was tasked with pursuing a Master’s degree at ITB in the second cohort, specializing in Civil Engineering and Water Resources. After returning to UNDIP, in addition to teaching, I also became actively involved in the UNDIP’s Research Institute, particularly the Environmental Research Center. Prof. Ir. Sidharta appointed me as the Chair of the AMDAL Study Team for dam construction projects in Jawa Tengah dan Jawa Timur (1987–1997). One of my proudest achievements was contributing to the realization of the Diponegoro Dam as part of the UNDIP Tembalang Campus Master Plan in 2005,” said Prof. Sri.
In her oration, Prof. Sri Sangkawati stressed the importance of water usage efficiency in addressing the impacts of climate change. “Water usage efficiency is critical in dealing with the increasingly evident effects of climate change. Water is a precious gift, and all sectors, both public and private, have a significant responsibility in managing it,” she stated.
“Every drop of water we save will protect the future of our children, nature, and all living beings, while every drop lost means destruction for ecosystems,” she continued.
Prof. Sri further elaborated that one essential step toward preserving the environment and ensuring a healthy standard of living is through water usage efficiency. “Efficiency means providing the same benefits with less water. In this way, environmental sustainability and a higher quality of life can be assured,” she explained.
Prof. Sri Sangkawati also emphasized the importance of socialization and support in water resource management to ensure the effectiveness of these efforts. Collaborative support is needed for these efforts to benefit all parties.
Prof. Sri Sangkawati recommended the development of strategies and action plans in detailed documents that include targets, key steps, and responsible institutions.
At the conclusion of her oration, Prof. Sri Sangkawati expressed her gratitude to Universitas Diponegoro for its support throughout her career. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to Universitas Diponegoro for its unwavering support throughout my career. I hope the spirit of efficiency and sustainability in water resource management will inspire future generations to protect the environment and ecosystems sustainably,” she concluded. (Catur Wulan; ed. DWH)
