The Universitas Gadjah Mada academic community is once again in mourning. UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences has lost one of its most distinguished professors, Professor Siti Chamamah Soeratno, who passed away on Tuesday (July 7) at 8:13 p.m. Western Indonesian Time at UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM). She was 85 years old and is survived by her husband and two children. Following a final tribute ceremony held at UGM’s Balairung on Wednesday (July 8), she was laid to rest at Karangkajen Public Cemetery in Mergangsan later that day.
Dean of the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Professor Setiadi, expressed his profound condolences over the passing of the former Dean of the UGM Faculty of Literature (1997–2000). He described her passing as a tremendous loss for the faculty and added that she had long been recognized as a teacher, mentor, and role model whose contributions greatly shaped the faculty’s development.
“She laid a strong foundation for academic excellence, scholarly culture, and humanitarian values, the impact of which we continue to feel and uphold today,” he said during Professor Siti Chamamah’s final tribute ceremony at UGM’s Balairung.
Professor Setiadi further said that throughout her life, Professor Siti Chamamah dedicated herself to advancing literature and culture while nurturing generations of capable and principled scholars. He also described her as an authoritative yet humble educator who remained approachable to colleagues, faculty members, and students alike.
“Her exemplary character was reflected not only in the classroom and academic forums but also in her daily life. God willing, her example will continue to live on and remain a priceless legacy for all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia said that Professor Siti Chamamah’s passing was a profound loss for the entire university, as she had made significant contributions to advancing knowledge, particularly in philology and literature.
“Professor Siti Chamamah was widely recognized as a distinguished scholar and expert in philology and literature. She was also an active figure in the Muhammadiyah movement and served as Chair of the Central Executive Board of ‘Aisyiyah from 2000 to 2010,” she said.
Professor Ova added that Professor Siti Chamamah’s 46 years of dedication as an educator produced numerous scholarly works and set an enduring example for the UGM academic community. She concluded by expressing her hope that Professor Siti Chamamah’s lifelong devotion, knowledge, and service would be accepted as amal jariyah (ongoing charitable deeds) and that her family would be granted strength and patience.
“May she be granted the highest place by Allah and may all her good deeds be accepted. May her family also be blessed with patience, strength, and sincere acceptance during this difficult time,” she said.
Representing the family, her daughter, Dr. Nurul Chusna, expressed gratitude to Universitas Gadjah Mada and the entire academic community for honoring her mother with a final tribute. She shared that throughout more than 46 years of service at UGM, her mother maintained a deep love for her alma mater until the end of her life.
“Even during her final days, when her health had declined, she often spoke about UGM and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. It was a testament to the profound affection she had for the institution that became such an important part of her life’s journey,” Dr. Chusna recalled.
In closing, Dr. Chusna also apologized on behalf of the family for any mistakes her mother may have made during her lifetime or for any responsibilities she may not have had the opportunity to fulfill. She expressed hope that the knowledge, exemplary character, and service her mother had left behind would continue to become amal jariyah, bringing ongoing rewards.
“If there are any promises she was unable to fulfill or responsibilities that still remain, we kindly ask you to contact our family so that we may carry them out on her behalf, and may her path to paradise be eased,” she concluded.
Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Donnie