In a heartwarming ceremony on Tuesday (Feb. 27) at the UGM Senate Hall, a husband and wife achieved a remarkable milestone together as they were inaugurated as professors at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Meet Professor Muslikhin Hidayat (50) and Professor Ria Millati (51), both esteemed figures in their respective fields. Muslikhin, a professor in system engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and Ria Millati, a professor in food science and agricultural product technology at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, embarked on this journey side by side.
The couple, blessed with three children, shared a unique bond that began during their undergraduate days in Chemical Engineering at UGM. Post-graduation, when lecturer positions opened up at UGM, Professor Hidayat pursued a role at the Faculty of Engineering, while Professor Millati ventured into the Faculty of Agricultural Technology.
“Fate seemed to weave our paths together. We both pursued our Ph.D. studies in Sweden and returned to continue our academic pursuits side by side,” Professor Millati shared with reporters.
Professor Hidayat revealed that the simultaneous professorial inauguration wasn’t initially planned. His application for the professorial position was submitted in late 2021, while his wife’s came in early 2023.
“We didn’t set any specific targets; we just went with the flow. It was ultimately decided by a higher power that our appointments coincided almost perfectly. Hence, we decided to have our inaugurations together. We’re thankful that the university accommodated our request,” Professor Hidayat expressed.
Hailing from Jepara, he and his wife expressed profound gratitude for simultaneously being bestowed with the prestigious professorial titles. They viewed their achievements as the culmination of nearly 27 years of unwavering dedication and hard work in education.
“Ultimately, our paths are guided by a higher force. We simply navigate through life, and the outcomes are bestowed upon us by the divine,” the husband added.
Professor Millati echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in all endeavors.
“We strive to perform our duties sincerely, without expecting anything in return. It’s about giving our best in every task before us. Sincerity is key; we focus on the present without dwelling on future gains,” Professor Millati elucidated.
In her poignant inaugural address, Professor Millati expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband for his unwavering support throughout their journey, through the highs and lows they encountered together.
“Our journey, from studying to graduating together and now achieving professorship together, feels like standing atop the world. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up. I’m immensely grateful and overjoyed that this is our reality,” Professor Millati shared.
During the ceremony, Professor Hidayat delivered a captivating speech titled “The Role of Process System Engineering in Designing Processes and Products in the Chemical Industry.”
On the other hand, Professor Ria Millati presented an equally insightful address titled “The Potential of Industrial and Agricultural Waste Biorefinery Based on Anaerobic Digestion to Produce Energy and Chemical Products.”
Authors: Gusti and Ika
Photographer: Firsto