Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is deeply saddened by the passing of one of its most distinguished sons, Professor Nursamsi Pusposendjojo, at the age of 82. The late professor was stationed at the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, and passed away on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. He was laid to rest on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at the UGM Family Cemetery in Sawitsari, after having his body laid in state at Balairung so that the UGM family could pay their final respects.
“On behalf of the entire UGM family, we express our deepest condolences to the family of Professor Nursamsi Pusposendjojo. May the late professor find the most honourable place in the presence of the Almighty,” said Professor Baiquni, Chair of UGM Board of Professors, while leading the farewell ceremony at Balairung on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.
Professor Baiquni recalled that Professor Pusposendjojo was officially inaugurated at the UGM Faculty of Agriculture on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, delivering a speech entitled “Fungi and Plant Health, and Their Implications in the Era of Global Change.”
In that lecture, the late professor emphasised the critical role of humans as vectors and disseminators of plant pathogens in the era of free trade.
“In an era characterised by vast openness, including the implementation of a free trade system, the situation has resulted in the unrestricted movement of people and goods, including agricultural materials and products. Agricultural materials and products are easily traded and transported between countries through import and export activities,” he noted.
Professor Baiquni further described Professor Pusposendjojo as a modest individual and a diligent scholar devoted to his field.
The late professor was known not only for his deep academic commitment but also as one of UGM’s finest sons who continually worked hard, devoting his energy and time to the university’s development. Among his administrative roles, the late professor served as Assistant Dean I (Academic Affairs) at the faculty from 1991 to 1993, and as Assistant Vice-Rector V (Planning) at UGM from 1995 to 1999.
“In closing, let us accompany the late Professor Nursamsi Pusposendjojo to his final rest, while praying that the Almighty grants forgiveness for his sins, multiplies his good deeds, grants him a peaceful and most noble place by His side, and grants the family left behind steadfastness. Ameen,” concluded Professor Baiquni.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian