Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) mourns the passing of Professor Retno Sunarminingsih, Professor of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy (Pharmacy UGM). Professor Retno Sunarminingsih passed away in Jakarta on Monday (Jun. 29) at the age of 74. The wife of former Indonesian Minister of National Education Professor Bambang Sudibyo was laid to rest at the UGM Family Cemetery Complex in Sawitsari, Sleman, on Tuesday (Jun. 30), following a final tribute from the university community at the Balairung of the UGM Central Building.
During her lifetime, Professor Retno was known as a compassionate and honest educator who dedicated herself to mentoring students and junior colleagues. She often likened human beings to an empty glass that could be filled with anything.
“She always hoped that whatever filled that empty glass would be meaningful, enlightening, and guided by divine wisdom,” recalled UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia.
On behalf of the entire university community, Professor Ova expressed her deepest condolences on Professor Retno’s passing.
“We are all grateful for the opportunity to have known Professor Retno personally and to have worked alongside her in various capacities. We are equally thankful that she served as an exemplary figure for the Universitas Gadjah Mada community. God willing, her scholarly contributions and lifelong service will continue to inspire future generations and advance the development of knowledge,” she said.
Professor Retno made significant contributions to UGM throughout her career. She served as Vice Rector for Research and Community Service from 2002 to 2007 and as Senior Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Services, and Alumni from 2007 to 2012. During her tenure, she was widely respected as a role model for researchers and recognized for her expertise as both an initiator and evaluator of academic programs.
Among the major initiatives she helped develop were the establishment of UGM’s Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT) and the creation of the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM). Before SV UGM was established as an independent institution, diploma programs were dispersed across eight faculties. Under the new structure, they have been consolidated and professionally managed within a dedicated academic unit.
Professor Agus Sartono, Professor at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) and one of her colleagues during their service in the university leadership, described Professor Retno as deeply dedicated to her work, humble, and open-minded. He also noted that she played an instrumental role in the successful construction of the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM) building and the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) without significant obstacles.
“Farewell, Professor Retno Sudibyo. You have contributed so much. God willing, your good deeds will become a bridge to paradise,” said Professor Agus.
Professor Retno was inaugurated as a UGM professor in 2002 with her inaugural lecture titled “Metabolit Sekunder: Manfaat dan Perkembangannya dalam Dunia Farmasi.” Throughout her distinguished career in pharmaceutical sciences, she was known for her humility, discipline, vision, and outstanding leadership.
According to the biography read by Professor Raden Rara Endang Lukitaningsih, Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at Pharmacy UGM, Professor Retno earned her bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy UGM in 1976, completed her pharmacist professional program in 1977, obtained her master’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kentucky, United States, and later earned her doctoral degree from Pharmacy UGM.
After serving two terms as vice rector, Professor Retno served on the UGM Academic Senate and the Permanent Council of Professors at Pharmacy UGM from 2012 until her retirement. She continued to serve the faculty after retirement and received numerous awards in recognition of more than 35 years of dedicated service.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Donnie