Professor Soeripto, Professor of the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), passed away on Friday (May 29) at 9:29 a.m. Western Indonesian Time at Dr. Sardjito Hospital at the age of 86. His passing leaves deep sorrow for the UGM community and his family.
Representing the family, Professor Hardyanto Soebono, Professor of Dermatology and Venereology, expressed gratitude to UGM, FK-KMK UGM, and Dr. Sardjito Hospital, all of which had been integral parts of the late professor’s lifelong service and dedication.
“He was a prominent figure and pioneer in the development of oncology medicine, not only at UGM but also at the national and even international levels,” said Professor Hardyanto during the memorial ceremony held at the Balairung of the UGM Central Building on Friday (May 29).
According to him, the late Professor Soeripto was not only an accomplished academic and physician but also someone with a deep appreciation for the arts and culture. Beyond his academic pursuits, he was actively involved in the traditional art of Javanese puppetry.
“He once studied puppetry at Habirandha, the Yogyakarta Palace’s school of puppetry,” he said.
On that occasion, the family formally handed over the late professor’s remains to UGM to receive final honors before burial at the UGM family cemetery complex in Sawitsari, Yogyakarta.
The Head of the Department of Anatomical Pathology at FK-KMK UGM, Dr. Hanggoro Tri Rinonce, had the opportunity to read the late professor’s biography. Professor Soeripto was born in Nganjuk on March 16, 1940, and completed his entire higher education journey at Universitas Gadjah Mada, from medical education and professional training to master’s, doctoral, and specialist education in anatomical pathology.
His academic career began in 1969 as a civil servant and lecturer. Over the years, he advanced through various academic ranks before ultimately being appointed as a professor at UGM. Throughout his years of service, Professor Soeripto received numerous awards, including recognition for 10 and 25 years of dedicated service at UGM, as well as the 30-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya Award from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed profound condolences over the passing of one of UGM’s most respected educators. She noted that Professor Soeripto completed his doctoral studies at UGM in 1988 and was later inaugurated as a professor, delivering an inaugural scientific lecture titled “Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Cancer in Yogyakarta.”
Professor Ova stated that, in addition to being known as a scholar with strong academic principles, Professor Soeripto had a deep interest in Eastern spirituality and meditation practices. According to her, he viewed these practices as pathways toward balance and a deeper understanding of human life.
“One message from him that is always remembered is: seek the truth, serve the truth, become the truth. Truth will reveal itself when the heart is filled with love,” she said.
Professor Ova also expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to know and work alongside Professor Soeripto. She thanked him for being a teacher and role model for herself and the wider UGM academic community.
“All of his scholarly contributions and lifelong service will, God willing, become a gateway for the continued development of future fields of worship and knowledge,” she concluded.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Donnie