Prof. Dr. Ir. Murdijati Gardjito felt happy and proud after having received the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Award on Thursday (19/12) during the celebration of UGM's 70th anniversary in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM. She was granted the award for her great services in her work.
The same award also goes to dr. Hasto Wardoyo Sp.OG(K), Head of National Family Planning Coordinating Agency.
“I would like to express my pride and extend my appreciation following this award presentation. I pray I can spread the knowledge better in the future,” said Murdijati Gardjito.
Although she has been on retirement since 2007, she continues to write Indonesian culinary books which in total have amounted at least 70 books.
Her interest in Indonesian culinary tradition started in 2000 and research into it started in 2003 and she became Head of Traditional Food Studies of UGM.
“My activity right now is writing a book. Every day I write the book with my assistants. Now I’m exploring Indonesian gastronomy,” she said.
She said that culinary dish is only a small part of gastronomy. Hence, gastronomy is a rational study for people to enjoy food, starting from history, origin, tradition and culture. All will lead to kitchen art that produces food to be enjoyed and used for traditional activities.
“Hence, the function of food not only satisfies one’s hunger, but also a means of communication and support the success of a mission. In conclusion, the function of food is very strong in human lives. I hope this book will be released in 2020,” she said.