A husband and wife were inaugurated as professors at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) together on Tuesday (Apr. 23) in the Senate Hall, UGM Central Building.
The couple, namely Professor Tata Wijayanta from the Faculty of Law (FH UGM) and Professor Sri Rahayu from the Faculty of Forestry, were honored on Professor Sri Rahayu’s 59th birthday.
Professor Wijayanta was the first to deliver his inaugural speech titled “Balai Harta Peninggalan as a Public Curator in Managing and Settling Bankruptcy and Debt Repayment Obligations: Opportunities and Challenges.”
At the end of his speech, Professor Wijayanta remarked that achieving the title of professor is a lengthy process. This title is not only an academic achievement but also a reflection of struggles that could not have been realized without the help and sacrifices of many, including his wife’s support.
Professor Wijayanta admitted that he had to wait ten years to be inaugurated as a professor alongside his wife. Despite repeated reminders from the Dean’s Office to deliver his inaugural address, he remained patient, waiting until his wife received her professorship.
“I am grateful that today I can deliver my inaugural speech as a professor,” he explained.
He expressed his gratitude to his wife for her moral support and sacrifices of time, effort, and money, which enabled him to achieve the title of professor. Professor Wijayanta also took the opportunity to wish his beloved wife a happy birthday.
“On this very happy occasion, I would like to especially wish you a Happy Birthday, good health, and success, and may you always be a blessing to others,” he said.
Following this, Professor Rahayu delivered her inaugural address on the role of forest pathology amidst global climate change. According to her, hundreds of pathogen species interact with forest plantation ecosystems.
However, forest disease experts face challenges due to varying knowledge about the physiology, life cycles, and climates supporting pathogen development. Meanwhile, the number of pathogen species specifically addressed by researchers remains very small.
“Global climate change will continue to occur, including in Indonesia, increasing the potential for forest disease outbreaks. This issue is very complex and requires collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders,” she said.
At the end of her speech, Professor Rahayu expressed her gratitude and love for her husband and his unwavering support and shared struggles.
“Thank you for your prayers, support, love, and affection all this time. This has allowed me to reach this achievement. May we be a family blessed with tranquility, love, and mercy, and always under the protection of Almighty God,” she concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto