UGM Museum has officiated the Sardjito room on Monday (4/12). The Museum stands on Bulaksumur D6-D7 at UGM compound.
Sektiadi, S.S., M.Hum from the UGM Museum said Prof. Sardjito was not a figure unknown to members of UGM academic community. He was the first rector of UGM whose name was immortalised in the name of Yogyakarta general hospital, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital.
“The name of this figure is immortalised in the name of Yogyakarta general hospital, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, but not everyone knew who he really was,” said Sektiadi.
Prof. Sardjito, said Sektiadi, had once served as rector of Universitas Islam Indonesia, too, and the first Indonesian to lead Bio Farma pharmaceutical company. He also cared about arts and artifacts. He once presented a paper in a scientific meeting in the Philippines.
“He presented a paper on ancient statues from Indonesia, including those from Borobudur Temple,” Sektiadi explained.
Remembering the numerous roles of Prof. Sardjito during his life in scientific projects, social events, and nation’s independence, UGM Museum pays attention to this matter. “His services were not just given to UGM but also the wider public and various institutions, therefore a room in the Museum is dedicated to him,” said Sektiadi.
A statue of Sardjito in the Museum was seen posing behind his desk while a replica of academic robe was hung on the hanger. Book shelves are also displayed in the room as well as a typewriter and his favourite radio.
“Several objects such as medication are also on display to show his works,” said Sektiadi. He added the room had been designed by artist Wilman Syahnur from Yogyakarta who is known for his “Obama Riding a rickshaw statue,” said Sektiadi.
Attending the launching of Sardjito Room were Dean of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Head of Promotion and Innovation of Museum in Cultural Agency Yogyakarta, the family of Prof. Dr. dr. M. Sardjito, M.P.H., and other invitees.
Manager of UGM Museum, Dr. Mahirta, said the launching of the Sardjito Room was a step to increase the Museum’s role for the society. Dean of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr. Wening Udasmoro, M.Hum., D.E.A., said the Museum would need to inform visitors narratives of their displays.
Drs. Rahmat Suabadi, representatives from Cultural Agency, hoped the Agency’s assistance to the UGM Museum could be used optimally. “All of these can be seen in the displays. The Dr. Sardjito Room that was prepared by UGM has been given an assistance from Cultural Agency Yogyakarta in the form of statue and replica,” he said.