Professor Muhammad Baiquni of the UGM Faculty of Geography and Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo of the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences has been elected and appointed as the Chair and Secretary of the UGM Board of Professors.
Professor Baiquni is the new Chair of the Board of Professors, replacing Professor Mochammad Maksum, who has entered retirement.
Meanwhile, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo is the new Secretary, replacing Professor Muhammad Baiquni, the previous Secretary.
The new Chair and Secretary of the UGM Board of Professors were selected through a decision at the Plenary Meeting for the Mid-Term Replacement, held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the UGM Senate Hall.
The handover ceremony for the mid-term replacement of the UGM Board of Professors for the 2021-2026 period took place during a plenary meeting of the Board of Professors on Monday, Jul. 1, 2024, at the Senate Hall.
Dr. Bagus Santoso, Secretary of the UGM Board of Trustees (MWA), led the handover ceremony.
Dr. Santoso delivered the Decree of the MWA to Professor Muhammad Baiquni and Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo as the Chair and Secretary of the Board of Professors for the 2021-2026 period.
The university leadership and other organizational leaders within UGM attended this plenary handover.
Professor Sulistiowati, the Chair of the Academic Senate, reiterated that the UGM Board of Professors functions as a pioneer, advisor, and guardian of the moral and ethical integrity of the academic community.
The Board of Professors also continuously develops thoughts and views on strategic national and/or international issues to support UGM’s role and contribution to the welfare of the nation and humanity.
“The activities of the Board of Professors have greatly assisted the academic community’s performance by harmonizing and aligning with various evolving government policies,” Professor Sulistiowati said.
Dr. Bagus Santoso marked the symbolic handover by presenting Professor Mochammad Maksum with the Board of Professors’ insignia, certificates, and badges to recognize his service.
During the occasion, Professor Maksum highlighted several essential aspects of the Board of Professors’ duties and functions. He expressed the hope that the members of the Board would continue to contribute to making UGM more beneficial to society.
Professors are expected to play a role in scientific and academic development, including activities such as “Professors go to Frontiers” or Professors Serving in remote and frontier islands like Rote Ndao and Ende in East Nusa Tenggara in 2022, Ternate-Tidore (North Maluku), Manado-Sangihe Islands (North Sulawesi) in 2023, Papua in 2024, and next year (2025) to Sabang Pulau Weh (Nangro Aceh Darussalam).
He explained, “The professors’ scholarly activities include seminars, public lectures, and visiting regions to engage with local leaders and explore values, culture, and wisdom.”
He concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude for the cooperation over the years and apologized for his mistakes at the UGM Board of Professors.
Throughout the journey of the Board of Professors, he acknowledged that various challenges were faced, both minor and major. Nonetheless, all were resolved well, thanks to a spirit of solidarity.
“Thank you for the solidarity and cooperation among the Board of Professors members. The outcomes of each commission are evident and can be felt. This demonstrates the progress achieved by the UGM Board of Professors,” said Professor Maksum.
Meanwhile, Professor Baiquni expressed that the roles of Chair and Secretary of the Board of Professors must be carried out.
These positions require clear thinking, thoroughness, wisdom, sensitivity, patience, and emotional control in decision-making.
“These are the hallmarks of the Board of Professors, deeply rooted and reaching high as virtues and good character,” he stated.
As the new Chair, he hopes the UGM Board of Professors can play a more potential and beneficial role in the university’s tasks. He hopes that the Board members will increase UGM’s concern for national identity in the current dynamic.
“UGM’s presence is expected to strengthen cultural and educational cooperation, especially in improving human quality. Professors are expected to play a role in developing the Three Pillars of Higher Education to support policy research and address issues of equitable and just welfare,” he added.
Author and Photographer: Heru Sutrisno
Editor: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang