On Saturday (May 11), the Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimulyono, inaugurated Professor R Soeroso Notohadiprawiro Geological Field Station in Bayat District, Klaten, Central Java.
The inauguration ceremony included Minister Basuki Hadimulyono signing a plaque, accompanied by UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro, and witnessed by BMKG Chief Professor Dwikorita Karnawati, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Selo, and Klaten Vice Regent Yoga Hardaya.
Before signing the plaque, Minister Hadimulyono was invited to deliver a speech. However, he was suddenly overcomewith emotion, and tears began to fall. Struggling to speak, he paused several times to wipe his tears, with an aide handing him tissues to help.
The atmosphere was filled with emotion as Minister Hadimulyono reminisced about his time as a geology student at UGM 50 years ago. He recognized the faces of his former professors who attended the inauguration, which added to his emotional state.
“I remember 50 years ago when I studied at UGM,” Minister Hadimulyono said tearfully. He continued, “Here in Bayat, we have our teachers. I remember them all,” and named each attending professor.
Minister Hadimulyono expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation for the education and guidance he received from his professors, which he credits for his success.
“Thank you. UGM has shaped me into who I am today,” he said.
Minister Hadimulyono emphasized that the Ministry of PUPR’s contribution to building the geological field station pales compared to the invaluable education and training provided by UGM.
“This construction is nothing compared to the education Gadjah Mada has given us,” he asserted.
Minister Hadimulyono hopes that the new field station will further support education, research, and community service activities for future geologists.
“I wish the young students good luck. Fifty years ago, with limited facilities, we could still produce the best graduates. I hope future geology students can achieve even greater things,” he stated.
Minister Hadimulyono also noted that foreign universities collaborating with UGM’s Department of Geological Engineering could utilize the field station.
“This field laboratory is not just for UGM but can be used for international activities by foreign universities because Bayat can serve as a model geopark center,” he explained.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of PUPR for their support in constructing the Geological Field Station, which cost over IDR 13 billion.
Vice-Rector Udasmoro emphasized the benefits the geological field station would bring to students and the local community.
“This geological field station will benefit the community, and students can apply their geological knowledge, as the rock formations in Bayat are extraordinary,” she said.
Vice-Rector Udasmoro noted that the four-story field station has laboratories, classrooms, and a library. She believes that the field station will further motivate students to undertake fieldwork.
“We are optimistic that this field station will enhance the tri-dharma of higher education in geology and be fully utilizedby the students,” she concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson