YOGYAKARTA – Governor of North Sulawesi Sinyo Harry Sarundajang officially gained doctoral degree from Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada after maintaining his dissertation on the study of Sam Ratulangi’s view about ‘Indonesia in Asia Pacific region and geo-strategic role of North Sulawesi Province as a gateway of Indonesia in the Pacific Region’ in his open exam of doctoral promotion at UGM Graduate School on Saturday (19/2). Acting as promoter was Prof. Dr. Ichlasul Amal, M.A., co-promoters were Prof. Dr. Mochtar Mas’oed and Prof. dr. Burhan Magenda, MA.
In the presentation of his dissertation, Sinyo said that Sam Ratulangi came from Minahasa, North Sulawesi, as a futuristic man who had given thought about the importance of position of Asia Pacific region in international trade. He said that Indonesia is located in a strategic position in Asia-Pacific that can play an important role in the region’s politic and economy.
"The verification of Sam Ratulangi’s thinking is true that 60 percent of the world containers are in Asia Pacific and 50 percent of world economic growth also exist in this region," he said.
In front of the board of examiners led by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof.Dr. Pratikno, Sinyo also emphasized the relevance of the concept of Sam Ratulangi’s thinking about geostrategic development is a concept of policy and strategy of development that is not only motivated by economic profit alone, but also has strategic political objective, namely development that could bring glory to the state in various fields. It means that in conducting international trade relations it does not only pursue economic profits, but also building power, influence and glory.
"So far, the concept of development is more based on land, it is time to apply the concept of development which is in accordance with the geographical condition of the nation, namely the regional development based on archipelago or coast," Sinyo said.
As governor, he added, points of Sam Ratulangi’s thinking about economic geography and geopolitics are realized in the preparation for North Sulawesi development roadmap as Indonesia’s gateway to the Asia Pacific region through the development of multi-Gate System, among others, making Samudera Bitung port and Sam Ratulangi Airport as International Hub-Ports (IHP), which serve as Cargo Consolidation Center (CCC) and Cargo Distribution Center (CDC). "Besides, we develop leading industrial potential based on geo-strategy, such as fisheries and marine industries, plantation industries and tourism industry," said Sinyo.
Prof. Dr. Pratikno, mentioned that Sinyo Harry Sarundayang is the 1347th doctor from Universitas Gadjah Mada. In addition, Sinyo also passed cum laude. "We decided on the basis of the result of your exam, with this you are declared to graduate cum laude," said Pratikno reading the test result.
Prof. Dr. Ichlasul Amal, M. A said that Sinyo Harry Sarundayang who successfully gained the highest academic degree at the university has the responsibility to develop his science in society. "As a scientist, you must hold the ethics of a scientist in thinking and behaving," said Amal.
Attending the exam were Minister for People’s Welfare, Agung Laksono, founder and former commander of the Laskar Jihad Ahlusunnah Wal Jama’ah organisation, Ja’far Umar Thalib, and government officials from North Sulawesi.