UNDIP, Semarang (24/01) – Universitas Diponegoro continues the series of inauguration ceremonies for 36 Professors at the Prof. Sudarto, S.H. Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. On the fifth day, two Professors from the Faculty of Engineering were officially inaugurated: Prof. Dr. Ir. Dwi Basuki Wibowo, M.S., and Prof. Ir. Sulistyo, M.T., Ph.D.
The inauguration speech was first delivered by Prof. Dr. Ir. Dwi Basuki Wibowo, M.S., an expert in Vibration & Product Design, who presented the theme “The Role of Foot Orthotic Specialists in Assisting Doctors in Addressing Pain Issues in Patients with Calcaneal Spur and Flat Foot Disorders Using Orthotic Shoes.”
In his scientific speech, Prof. Basuki emphasized the crucial role of foot orthotic specialists in helping orthopedic and neurology doctors treat pain in patients suffering from the calcaneal spur and excessive flat feet. An innovative approach using orthotic shoes is believed to be an effective solution to improve patient’s quality of life without requiring continuous medication.
Prof. Basuki highlighted two key issues: pain caused by calcaneal spur and pain caused by excessive flat foot. A calcaneal spur or a spur on the plantar fascia causes pain in the heel, particularly on the medial side of the foot. Posterior and inferior calcaneal spur surgery, which was once the primary treatment option, is now being abandoned due to the risk of postoperative complications, such as infection and limited mobility.
As an alternative solution, Prof. Dwi presented the use of orthotic shoes made of silicone rubber, with heel elevation up to 4 cm for men and 6 cm for women, along with soft foam insoles. Flat feet, although rarely complained about in Indonesia because they often do not cause pain, can be identified using a patented digital footprint scanner. This condition can lead to ankle pain.
The treatment involves designing orthotic shoes with arch support made from soft foam insoles to provide optimal support for the foot. “Orthopedic and neurology doctors, let’s help patients stay active without always relying on medication. I hope the synergy and collaboration between medicine and engineering will continue and bridge the gap between the two fields,” said Prof. Basuki.
On the other hand, Prof. Ir. Sulistyo, M.T., Ph.D., an expert in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, in his scientific speech titled “Innovation in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturing Methods for an Environmentally Friendly Hydrogen-Based Power Generation System,” explained fuel cells as electrochemical energy conversion devices that transform fuel into electricity.
Prof. Sulistyo also explained that fuel cells have been utilized in transportation units, including land, sea, and air transport, using PEMFC and SOFC technology. “In Indonesia, the development of fuel cell technology has been ongoing, including research on raw materials, material characteristics, cell manufacturing, and the creation of fuel cell prototypes, although still on a laboratory scale,” he stated.
At the end of his speech, Prof. Sulistyo expressed his hope that in the future, there will be fuel cell-powered transportation modes using environmentally friendly hydrogen gas as fuel.
In his address, UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., stated that the increasing number of Professors at Universitas Diponegoro is expected to enhance the university’s global reputation. However, he emphasized that this should not be the ultimate goal.
“We hope this is not the final goal. The ultimate goal is to ensure that knowledge, the university, and dignity serve to bring the greatest benefits to society,” concluded Prof. Suharnomo. (Yovita, Marta; ed. DHW)
