UNDIP, Semarang (February 19) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) officially inaugurated five new professors as part of the Inauguration Ceremony of 36 Professors. The event was held in January and February 2025. On the seventh day of the ceremony, the following professors were inaugurated: Prof. Dr. Dra. Wilis Ari Setyati, M.Si. (Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences); Prof. Dr. Drs. Catur Edi Widodo, M.T. (Faculty of Science and Mathematics); Prof. Dr. Gatot Yuliyanto, S.Si., M.Si. (Faculty of Science and Mathematics); Prof. Ismiyarto, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. (Faculty of Science and Mathematics); and Prof. Dr. Ir. Mursid, M.Si. (Faculty of Public Health).
During the ceremony, each professor delivered a scientific speech. Prof. Dr. Dra. Wilis Ari Setyati, M.Si., an expert in Marine Microbiology, presented her speech titled “Potential of Marine Microorganisms for the Development of Biotechnology Industry in Indonesia.”
She emphasized that Indonesia, with its rich marine biodiversity, holds great potential for the global biotechnology market, projected to reach USD 5.85 trillion by 2034. In the aquaculture industry, microorganisms are used as probiotics to improve the health of fish farming. Meanwhile, in the food sector, microorganisms play an essential role in the fermentation process and production of functional foods. However, the exploration and utilization of marine microorganisms in Indonesia is still relatively limited.
Prof. Wilis expressed optimism about the country’s potential to lead in marine biotechnology with collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Indonesia is becoming a global leader in the marine microorganism-based biotechnology industry.
Prof. Dr. Drs. Catur Edi Widodo, M.T., an expert in Computational Physics, delivered a speech titled “Development of Medical Imaging Technology for Detecting COVID-19 and Pneumonia”. He discussed the challenges of diagnosing COVID-19 and pneumonia with conventional methods like PCR. It has high accuracy but has disadvantages such as complicated procedures, taking a long time, and being quite expensive. Therefore, an alternative method is needed that is faster, more convenient, and more affordable. Medical imaging technology offers an innovative solution for automatic detection without the need for direct involvement of doctors.
The results of the trial with 1,841 X-rays showed that this technology has a detection accuracy rate of up to 98%. This research proves its effectiveness in supporting faster diagnosis, especially in emergency conditions. Medical imaging technology will continue to be developed to detect other diseases, such as heart disorders, other lung diseases, and bone health problems. With broader application in the health sector, this technology has the potential to improve the quality of public health, which will have an impact on welfare.
Prof. Dr. Gatot Yuliyanto, S.Si., M.Si., an expert in Geophysics: Seismology – Microtremor, shared his speech on “Development of Microtremor Method for Identifying Aquifer Zones and Weak Subsurface Layers”. He highlighted how microtremor methods provide solutions for land movement and groundwater exploration. Prof. Gatot said that conventional geophysical techniques, such as geoelectric, are often difficult to apply in such conditions. As a solution, the microtremor method offers advantages with lighter equipment, is easy to operate, and has lower survey costs. In addition, this method allows for fast data acquisition, making it suitable for application in various field conditions.
“The microtremor method can be an alternative solution to problems that other geophysical methods do not have. This method can be used to complement other survey methods or independently as a stand-alone method,” said Prof. Gatot.
Prof. Ismiyarto, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., an expert in Organic Synthesis, presented his speech on “Application of Green Synthesis from Seafood Waste Processing: Chitosan to Support Sustainable Development.” He discussed the green chemistry approach in organic synthesis, which is increasingly developing to produce more environmentally friendly and useful materials. By applying 12 principles of green reactions, this synthesis method focuses on the selection of renewable raw materials, more efficient processes, and safe and biodegradable products.
Prof. Ismiyarto observed that various natural materials, such as water hyacinth and sea animal shells, have been utilized in the synthesis of organic compounds to address environmental and health issues. He emphasized that green chemistry-based organic synthesis needs to be continuously developed as an effort to protect society and the environment from harmful impacts and maximize the use of greener and more economical chemicals. It is hoped that this step can improve people’s welfare in accordance with sustainable development goals.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Mursid, M.Si., an expert in Environmental Science and Malaria Control, delivered his speech titled “Ecological Control of Anopheles Mosquitoes to Support Malaria Elimination in Indonesia.” Malaria is still a global and national health problem. In 2023, 418,546 positive cases of malaria were recorded in Indonesia, including in the strategic area of the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). Challenges in controlling malaria still exist, such as the discovery of cases in the regions that have been certified for elimination and the increasing use of organophosphate-based insecticides.
According to Prof. Mursid, malaria control methods can be expanded to broader ecosystems, especially in eastern Indonesia and around the IKN. An ecological approach to malaria control is an important step to achieve the target of eliminating malaria throughout Indonesia by 2030.
