Yogya, KU
Over 95% medical equipment utilised by developing countries are still imported. In fact, 30% of those are not usable since they are not supported by complete guidance and their supporting devices. This was delivered by Dr. dr. P. Sudiharto, Sp. BS, one of two recipients of the Hamengku Buwono IX Award 2009 on Saturday evening (19/12) at the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta. Prof. Dr. Ir. Soekotjo, M.Sc. also received the same Award that evening.
In his speech, Sudiharto said that the production of local medical equipment is still low and they are controlled by multinational corporations. Sudiharto said that developing countries such as Indonesia are relatively poor in domestically produced technology. Local technological innovations are, therefore, required.
One of Sudiharto's inventions is the therapy device for hydrocephalus, known as bypass device with semilunar valve, which has been developed since 1978 and has been utilised for - more or less - 7000 hydrocephalus patients. Their cases were caused by various reasons and found among 11 day old infants or senior people who are 65 years old.
Sudiharto said that the use of semilunar valve bypass system is good since its design and product can be made domestically. In addition, the design can be adjusted to the patient's age and type of disease.Its durability will last over 20 years. “Every year the Sardjito General Hospital treats around 70-80 patients of hydrocephalus,†said the lecturer of Faculty of Medicine.
Meanwhile, Prof. Soekotjo in his speech said that intensive silviculture technique (SILIN) can increase forest productivity to benefit the people. Professor of Forestry Faculty said that SILIN is a technique to combine three main elements, namely breeding target, environmental manipulation and integrated pest control.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., said in his opening speech that the Award has been named after Hamengku Buwono IX as an appreciation for his time and thoughts that had been given for the people and his care for advancing education at UGM.
Sudjarwadi added that the Award is not limited to a certain science but also all kinds of knowledges that can benefit the general public for their welfare and happiness. “UGM congratulates the two recipients. We hope that this can bring happiness and benefit and be made role model for future generation,†he added.
Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said that the HB IX Award presentation has traditionally marked UGM's Anniversary and has found its place among the academic community and the public. According to the Sultan, the HB IX Award is an award of esteemed value despite the amount of cash that is granted compared to the recipients' dedication and achievement.
The presentation of award to Prof. Ir. Soekotjo and Dr. dr. P. Sudiharto, Sp.BS has been recommended by the Council of Professors's team based on their work in spectacular innovations in medical technological development and in silviculture system development to preserve forests.
The Sultan said that the therapy device is an extraordinary invention amidst the so-called arrogance of hospital management that brings empathy further away from humanity. “It is indeed an achievement that we should be thankful for as it has saved some 7000 patients while the costs are low,†he added.
The pump device to reduce brain fluid up to half the volume is also needed by patients suffering from stroke, trauma caused by accident, brain tumour, brain inflammation or meningitis that has the same symptoms. “The price is around 1.5-1.7 million, which is far more affordable than those produced abroad that can cost up to 40 million,†he added.
In the Sultan's opinion, Prof. Soekotjo is an expert in silviculture, which is a knowledge in tree breeding, environmental manipulation and pest control. “He has repeatedly warned us about the danger of deforestation and forest degradation and their negative impacts on our lives as they potentially cause natural disasters,†he explained. The silviculture system can be used as a means to build forests that  have structure and composition which are in line with the surrounding environment.
From both recipients, Sri Sultan expected that the Award would not only be meaningful to them but also to their untiring dedication that benefits the Indonesian people and nation.