The book discussion for “Suluh Kepemimpinan Geografi, Jangan Takut Bermimpi Besar” accompanied Professor Suratman’s retirement from the Faculty of Geography, UGM.
The retirement event, organized by the “DPR” and “MPR” community members, occurred at the Merapi Auditorium of the UGM Faculty of Geography on Monday, July 1, 2024.
Several “DPR” and “MPR” members, colleagues, and family attended the event. From morning until noon, they patiently listened to the presentation of Professor Suratman’s life journey, works, and dedication.
“Honestly, I was surprised to see young people gathering, documenting my life journey, and organizing this event,” he said, opening his speech.
Professor Suratman admitted that he never thought of or imagined an event organized by young people. As a simple villager, he considered retirement to be just retirement.
Although he is now retired, he still desires to serve humanity. The “memayu hayuning bawana” principle he always holds strengthens this desire.
“Our lives are like being in a museum, and the earth is the museum of our lives, so geography is a part of the museum created by Allah. We are in a museum where Allah has truly entrusted us as His caliphs,” he explained.
Holding the “memayu hayuning bawana” principle, he advised geographers to play a bigger role in preserving the earth for future generations’ lives and civilizations.
Because geography, as a field of life, is everywhere—in forestry, engineering, economics, education, and more.
The book “Suluh Kepemimpinan Geografi, Jangan Takut Bermimpin Besar” was conceived and compiled by the DPR and MPR communities.
This 243-page book tells the biographical and historical story of Professor Suratman, from his childhood to becoming a young lecturer, and the philosophy behind his children’s names.
The book also recounts Professor Suratman’s contributions to geography and geomorphology and discusses leadership in geography at the faculty, university, national, and international levels.
The book’s final section addresses future ideas, including embedding geography for life and sustainable development. The book becomes more attractive, with 40 chapters from 40 figures testifying about Professor Suratman’s thoughts, works, and dedication.
The book’s authors and editors are Agung Satriyo Nugroho and Ahmad Ilham Romadhoni. Both are members of the “DPR” who care about and feel the impact of Professor Suratman’s contributions to various services.
Agung Satriyo Nugroho admitted that the book was compiled as Professor Suratman was nearing retirement from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The book was written not merely as a biography but to interpret Professor Suratman’s struggle and journey, thereby developing a leadership concept needed by all, especially geographers.
“This ‘DPR’ and ‘MPR’ do not use ‘RI.’ Here, ‘DPR’ stands for ‘Didikane Prof Ratman,’ and ‘MPR’ stands for ‘Man Teman Prof Ratman.’ So we prepared everything for him as he retires from the UGM Faculty of Geography,” he said with a smile.
Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, stated that 70 is the retirement age administratively but not substantively because Professor Suratman will continue to work in many capacities.
“Thank you for your dedication and service for approximately 40 years; this book has 40 chapters. This indicates Professor Suratman’s service for more than 40 years, precisely 44 years,” Dean Hadmoko said.
Dr. Hadmoko said Professor Suratman has played many roles, especially at the Faculty of Geography and UGM at the national level, particularly in the Indonesian Geographers Association (IGI), and at many other levels.
The dean said Professor Suratman is primarily a teacher. As such, he has provided exemplary leadership and simplicity, producing many national leaders.
“Many young leaders have been nurtured by his example. Professor Suratman has mentored many entrepreneurs and scientists; even those who have become professors are members of ‘DPR.’ I am one of his mentees,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang