Professor Bambang Hariono from the Department of Clinical Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, passed away at the age of 74 years and 11 months.
He passed away on Saturday (October 14) at 7:20 p.m. at Boyolali Hospital. He was buried at the UGM Family Cemetery in Sawitsari, Yogyakarta, after receiving a final tribute from the UGM community at the UGM Central Building.
Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, UGM Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, expressed deep condolences and prayed that the late professor finds the best place in the sight of God and that his deeds are accepted while praying for patience, fortitude, and sincerity for the family left behind.
“On behalf of the UGM community, I express our deepest condolences on the passing of the late Professor Bambang Hariono on Saturday, October 14, 2023,” he said during the final tribute ceremony on Sunday (October 15).
In his speech, Vice-Rector Arief Nugroho mentioned that during his tenure at Universitas Gadjah Mada, the late professor was known as a friendly and patient figure, constantly comforting those around him.
Throughout his life, he was known for his dedication to delving into his field of expertise, evident from his scholarly works.
The late Professor Bambang Hariono was an emeritus professor at the Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
He delivered his inaugural speech on January 24, 2008, titled “Lead (Pb) Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment: Pathological Changes and Monitoring.”
There are still many people who need to be made aware of the dangers or negative impacts of heavy metal waste disposal through factory chimneys.
Additionally, they are unaware of how dangerous motor vehicle emissions, laboratory waste, hospital waste, and others can be. This problem is exacerbated by the high cost of handling and recycling heavy metal waste.
Efforts to address the negative impact of heavy metal pollution require comprehensive processing systems for handling and controlling heavy metal waste, involving the entire community.
However, these efforts face obstacles due to the lack of detailed regulations regarding worker safety in industries that use heavy metal raw materials.
The impact of pollution in cases of lead (Pb) poisoning in livestock is commonly reported due to eating grass from mining or industrial areas, grass from around roads, or animals chewing on wall paint chips, licking paint cans, motor oil, and used battery stones.
These animals show specific symptoms of lead poisoning. Meanwhile, Pb poisoning in humans can cause sterility and miscarriage.
The vice-rector thanked the late professor for his dedication and commitment to UGM, particularly to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. All his deeds and contributions will pave the way for the development of future scientific knowledge.
“In closing, let us accompany the late Professor Bambang Hariono to his final resting place by praying that God forgives his sins, multiplies his good deeds, and grants him a peaceful and honorable place,” the vice-rector said.
“May the family left behind be given fortitude, and may Allah SWT always protect and guide us all in developing knowledge and continuing the works of the late Professor Bambang Hariono.”
Author: Rifai
Photographer: Firsto