A radiance of pure joy illuminated the faces of Professor Muh Aris Marfai, Professor Wega Trisunaryanti, and Benjamin Mangitung during the pinnacle of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) 74th-anniversary celebration.
The trio, distinguished in their respective fields, beamed with delight as they received the 2023 UGM Award.
Professor Muh Aris Marfai claimed his well-deserved accolade in science and technology development, particularly in geospatial information.
Professor Wega Trisunaryanti stood honored for her remarkable contributions to the tri dharma of higher education, while Benjamin Mangitung garnered recognition for his achievements in environmental stewardship, blue energy, and the circular economy.
“I am grateful for this award, which signifies the role we play in elevating geospatial information in Indonesia. This recognition is a form of appreciation and support for further developing geospatial information in the country,” said Professor Marfai at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
He added that UGM is a big university with multifaceted programs intricately linked to geospatial information. Programs such as geodesy, geography, forestry, vocational studies, agriculture, and others contribute significantly to developing geospatial information in Indonesia.
The nation has the ambition to develop geospatial information on a grand scale to catalyze economic growth. The vision extends beyond utilizing technologies like Google Maps, aiming to foster homegrown technologies for Indonesia’s economic prosperity.
“We aspire to attract better investment by developing geospatial information as a platform that supports accurate information,” he emphasized.
In his role as the Head of Indonesia’s Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), Professor Marfai remains a staunch advocate for the one-map policy. One hundred fifty thematic maps have been synchronized, allowing seamless sharing between ministries and institutions. This synchronization is instrumental in identifying overlapping land-use functions.
He elaborated on the application of geospatial information in governance, particularly in the palm oil industry. The sector has witnessed notable improvements through the judicious use of geospatial information.
Moreover, large-scale geospatial information initiatives are underway, particularly in support of the country’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN), which enhances planning capabilities.
“We are working on 1:1000 and 1:5000 mapping, with plans for comprehensive mapping of the entire country using a large-scale 1:5000 approach. Achieving this would mean detailed spatial plans supporting streamlined online single submissions for investment,” the BIG head added.
“In essence, the availability of robust geospatial information will open up opportunities for investment and economic possibilities, and this is what we will continue to pursue.”
For Professor Wega Trisunaryanti, the UGM Award brought profound joy and motivation. She views this recognition as an extraordinary blessing, the highest honor from UGM bestowed annually at the climax of the anniversary celebration.
In receiving this accolade, Professor Trisunaryanti feels a renewed impetus to continue creating and achieving. Humble in her acknowledgment of accomplishments, she conveyed that there is more to be done, further developed to benefit the nation and humanity.
“I hope this inspires the younger generation to persist in their efforts and achievements. As a lecturer, one must fulfill the three pillars of higher education: teaching (education), research, and community service,” she shared.
In the domain of education, she is genuinely committed and successful in crafting a teaching system that resonates with students, fostering joyful learning experiences. Her approach is rooted in ensuring students learn happily.
“As a lecturer, I want to ensure that students can learn joyfully. This is where we fulfill our duties and responsibilities in education,” she elucidated.
When it comes to research, Professor Trisunaryanti holds an impressive record, having published over 100 papers with citations in Scopus. Beyond mere publication, she emphasized the importance of research that leads to valuable results, culminating in patents and tangible contributions.
“Alhamdulillah, I have published over 100 papers with citations in Scopus. My Scopus H Index has now reached 17. The increase from 1 to 17 means that all the papers I published must be cited by everyone or other researchers,” she explained.
Continuing her journey of innovative research, Professor Trisunaryanti is currently engaged in a grant project related to palm oil, supported by the Indonesian Oil Palm Estate Fund (BPDPKS). This project focuses on developing a catalyst for bio-aviation fuel from palm oil, contributing to renewable energy sources.
“With funding from BPDPKS, I am working on a catalyst for bio-aviation fuel from palm oil. Additionally, I aim to implement at least three community service projects yearly,” she added.
Benjamin Mangitung expressed his surprise at receiving the award from UGM. A proud alumnus of the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology since 1975, Mangitung admitted he never dreamed or anticipated such recognition from his alma mater.
“I don’t understand what I have done, but if it is appreciated, thank you. I have a resort in a mangrove forest that we preserve, enlarge, and care for. Perhaps that is what UGM considers valuable,” he shared.
As the CEO of Beejay Group, Mangitung oversees various businesses, including Beejay Seafood and Beejay Bakau Resort Restaurant in Probolinggo. The Bee Jay Resort Probolinggo, a stunning natural tourist destination, emerged from what was once a beach laden with trash.
Before transforming into the resort it is today, Bee Jay Resort stood on a beach plagued by garbage. Benjamin Mangitung, alongside his two siblings, embarked on a mission to clear the area of debris, ultimately transforming it into a sought-after tourist location. Today, Bee Jay Resort stands as one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Probolinggo.
“With this award, of course, I have to work even harder and do more than what I am doing now. I see this as a huge trust,” Mangitung added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto