UGM is currently experiencing transition in terms of generations. Most senior members of faculty studied in several universities in the USA and Europe while some junior members in Japan. Japan is seen as having advanced technology. Therefore, it is not too surprising if many people predict that Japan will be a super power country in the future.
That was the opinion of the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., that was presented at the annual meeting of Tokyo Institute of Technology (TIT) Alumni. The meeting was held at Faculty of Engineering meeting room, UGM on Saturday (26/6). He said that UGM researchers are currently developing renewable energy synergy. Almost researchers in all fields of sciences, including solar energy, attempt to make it happen because Indonesia has abundant solar energy.
UGM expected to be able to form a synergy with ITS, ITB, and UI to develop the technology that can be used by and applied in the community. "Therefore, we expect TIT to take role and synergize with UGM researchers to build a better civilization in the future," he said.
Previously, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M. Eng., D. Eng., said that the annual meeting has become a very important routine agenda because there are dozens of TIT alumni working in several leading universities in Indonesia. "In Japan, TIT is a prominent university of technology. Its researcher, Dr. Hideki Shirakawa, received the Nobel Prize in chemistry related to conductive polymer in year 2000," said the committee chairman of the meeting. As media of alumni, Panut Mulyono also offered an TIT alumni office at UGM.
Dr. Tsugihiro Shimura, the Coordinator of International Cooperation of TIT, expected the alumni to always communicate with each other in the global TIT alumni network. The step is necessary to do. Currently, the data base of TIT alumni has been made under the name of Tamedas (Tokodai Alumni Members Database System), which can be accessed online.
Prof. Nobuo Fujii, D. Eng., added that culture of research needs to be developed, especially for the development of sciences which they have obtained in Japan. "Regarding culture of research, such as discipline, honesty, good teamwork, the willingness to ask for forgiveness, and care about other people are key to the success of developing a technology," added Nobuo Fujii, who planned the TIT international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rachmat Sriwijaya, Head of the Office of International Affairs UGM, said that UGM and TIT plan to extend the MoU that expired early this year. During this time, UGM and TIT have established harmonious relationships. Some UGM lecturers are currently studying to complete S-2 and S-3 programs at TIT.
Attending the event were Expert Staff of Ministry of Education, Son Kuswadi, D. Eng., and TIT alumni from several universities, such as UGM, UPN, ITB, and ITS. For Son Kuswadi, TIT alumni networking is a must if we want to bring universities in Indonesia to the world class level. He also supported the seminar held in Jakarta on October 2010, with the theme of Life in Japan. "The event is held in conjunction with the handover of Tokyo Tech Indonesia Commitment Award, a competition of scientific works of S-1 students throughout Indonesia, which was initiated by the Indonesian Students Association at TIT," he said.