Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc, has been awarded Doctor of the University (DUniv) by Flinders University, Australia. It was presented as part of the April graduation ceremony on 17 April 2013, led by Chancellor of Flinders University, Mr. Stephen Gerlach, attended by 1620 graduates.
Cited from Flinders University website, Profesor Michael Barber, Flinders Vice-Chancellor, said that Prof. Pratikno has distinguished roles in Indonesia, in senior leadership positions in education and in government appointments, and the ongoing links between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Flinders, to which he has made an important contribution, make him a worthy recipient of the Degree of Doctor of the University.”
Since his PhD studies in the School of Social Sciences, Professor Pratikno has maintained close ties with Flinders by undertaking collaborative research with staff in the School of International Studies.
His research in Indonesian local politics is increasingly important for Indonesia and Australia, given Indonesia’s successful democratisation and radical decentralisation.
Universitas Gadjah Mada has an active Memorandum of Understanding with Flinders University, and for more than 15 years Flinders graduates and students have studied Indonesian language and culture there. There are also links in areas such as International Studies, Population Studies and Law.
In his acceptance speech, Pratikno said that Asia’s economy, including Indonesia, has progressed tremendously. Indonesia’s economy is at the 16th of world major economy. Analysis made by some international research agencies showed that Indonesia will jump to the seventh in year 2030 and fourth in 2050. This will open investment and work opportunities in the next few years.
“With closer ties between Indonesia and Australia, progress of both countries will grow more significantly, not only betwen governments and business players, but also academics and public, particularly the young generation,” he said.
Separately, Pratikno said that he felt very honoured and appreciative on the honorary conferment from Flinders University. It is a recognition from another university of UGM, which became an asset for UGM to increase its influence in international community. “This is proof that UGM has supported Indonesia’s leadership in the international community,” he concluded.