Refuse Derived Fuel treats waste through shredding, turning it into RDF, which is used as a substitute (co-firing) for part of the coal in PLTU and a renewable energy source.

For Dr. Fahmy Radhi, an energy economics observer from Universitas Gadjah Mada, this collaboration benefits both parties. 

For the Jakarta Capital City Government, this collaboration will help address the waste issue in Jakarta, which produces over 7,500 tons of waste per day. On the other hand, this will ensure a supply of 1,000 tons of RDF for PLN from processing 3,000 tons of waste per day into biomass for co-firing in PLTU.

“However, it will not run smoothly if tipping fees and electricity selling prices have not been agreed upon,” he said at the UGM Campus on Monday (12/6).

Dr. Radhi explained that tipping fees are the costs paid for waste sorting before it is processed into RDF, based on the amount of waste used. Meanwhile, the electricity selling price is the price at which electricity is sold to PLN based on Presidential Regulation 35/2018.

The tipping fee is set at a maximum of Rp500,000 per ton of waste, and the electricity selling price is set at US$13.35 per kWh. Considering the tipping fee calculation, the electricity selling price of US$13.35 per kWh is still below the economic price. 

“If PLN has to increase the electricity selling price according to the economic price, it will burden PLN, and ultimately it will be passed on to electricity consumers,” he explained.

Therefore, as a solution, he stated that the Jakarta Capital City Government should be willing to pay the tipping fee from the current year’s regional budget (APBD). According to him, it is only logical for the tipping fee to be paid by the Jakarta Capital City Government since waste management is the responsibility of the local government, not the obligation of PLN to create a cleaner and healthier environment in Jakarta.

PLN must also purchase the electricity generated at a price determined in PR 35/2018. The success of this collaboration between the Jakarta Capital City Government and PLN can undoubtedly be implemented in various regions in Indonesia.

“Of course, this is not only for waste treatment but also to generate environmentally friendly renewable electricity,” he added.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photo: Freepik.com

Artikel PLN Continues to Develop Waste-to-Energy Power Plants pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

So what exactly is BDD? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the primary diagnostic guide for mental health professionals, BDD is a mental health problem characterized by excessive concerns about perceived flaws or imperfections in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with this issue have a distorted perception of their own appearance, even though there may be no significant flaws or imperfections visible to others.

“Individuals with BDD are often obsessed with small details of their appearance, such as facial shape, nose size, body shape, or other body parts. They may frequently check their appearance in mirrors or try to conceal their ‘flaws’ in certain ways, such as wearing excessive makeup or covering outfits,” psychologist Aisha Sekar Lazuardini Rachmanie explained.

Rachmanie, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Psychology, said that BDD differs from general concerns about body image. Individuals with BDD tend to have persistent and distressing thoughts about themselves. This condition causes significant distress and can affect individual behavior and functioning.

BDD is considered one of the mental health conditions that individuals with a family history of BDD or other anxiety disorders are vulnerable to. The twin study by Enander et al. (2017) showed a moderate possibility of BDD being genetically inherited.

“BDD also tends to occur in adolescents and adults, especially in females,” she said.

In addition to family history, several factors can trigger vulnerability to BDD, such as traumatic experiences like physical or verbal abuse related to appearance. Additionally, environmental factors, such as cultural pressures, which include unrealistic beauty standards or excessive focus on physical appearance, play a role.

“These factors can contribute to the development of BDD,” she explained.

Signs

Rachmanie mentioned that several signs point to BDD, one of which is an excessive preoccupation with physical appearance. There is a tendency to constantly and excessively worry about perceived flaws or imperfections in one’s physical appearance. Additionally, individuals often focus too much on specific body parts, such as the face, skin, hair, nose, body size, or other body parts.

Another is a distorted perception of appearance. Individuals with BDD often have inaccurate or distorted perceptions of their appearance. They tend to see themselves as much worse than how others actually see them. This can lead to excessive anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, they often engage in mirror-checking or mirror avoidance. They may frequently check their mirror appearance for flaws or small changes. On the other hand, some individuals altogether avoid mirrors out of fear of seeing what they perceive as imperfections.

Next is the behavior of altering one’s appearance. There is a tendency to hide or fix perceived flaws in various ways.

“They may be overly obsessed with using excessive makeup to cover up something they feel is lacking, even if there might be none. They wear clothing that covers specific body parts, or they may engage in repetitive cosmetic procedures,” she added.

Impact

Rachmanie stated that BDD significantly impacts individuals who suffer from it. This disorder can cause emotional distress. BDD sufferers are vulnerable to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress. They may also experience feelings of shame, despair, or worthlessness due to dissatisfaction with their appearance. Emotional well-being is disrupted, which can negatively affect mood and daily life.

BDD can also result in a decreased quality of life for the sufferers. It can hinder the overall quality of life. Individuals may struggle with social relationships, participating in social activities, or carrying out daily activities due to appearance-related anxiety.

“They may avoid social situations, feel isolated, or have difficulty feeling comfortable with themselves,” she explained.

Individuals with BDD also have a higher risk of developing eating disorders. Excessive dissatisfaction with their appearance and concerns about their body can trigger unhealthy eating patterns or disordered eating behaviors.

Avoid Self-Diagnosis

So what should you do if you suspect you have BDD? Rachmanie advises against self-diagnosis. If you experience symptoms that suggest BDD, she recommends seeking professional help without hesitation. With proper treatment, including therapy and, if necessary, medication, the negative impact of BDD can be reduced, and quality of life can be improved.

Rachmanie mentioned several actions that can help reduce or prevent the onset of BDD. First, education and understanding are crucial. Learning about BDD and the symptoms and associated risk factors can help recognize early signs and seek help when needed.

Second, maintaining a healthy mindset is essential. Practice self-acceptance, self-love, and appreciation for the uniqueness and beauty in every individual.

Third, try building self-confidence. Build self-confidence and focus on abilities, talents, and other positive qualities, not just physical appearance.

Fourth, maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balance between work and rest.

Fifth, seek social support. Foster healthy relationships with supportive and understanding individuals. Seeking support from family, friends, or support groups can help manage stress and maintain mental health.

Sixth, avoid excessive social comparison. Avoid comparing oneself too much to others, primarily through social media.

“Remember that images presented on social media often do not reflect reality,” she emphasized.

Rachmanie added that there are several things to avoid to prevent the emergence of BDD—first, excessive worry about physical appearance. Redirect attention from extreme concerns about appearance to positive and constructive activities.

The second is excessive mirror-checking. Limit the time spent in front of mirrors and avoid excessively checking one’s physical appearance.

The third is to limit exposure to images and content that trigger dissatisfaction with appearance. Reduce exposure to media that emphasizes unrealistic physical beauty.

“Don’t hesitate to seek help. If you experience disturbing symptoms or have excessive concerns about your appearance, seek professional help from trained psychologists or psychiatrists,” she concluded.

Author: Ika

Photo: Freepik.com

Artikel UGM Psychologist Talks About Body Dysmorphia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Head of the Sub-Directorate for International Cooperation, I Made Andi Arsana, Ph.D., said that there was always a regular gathering for international students for 2-3 times a year. Not only intended for new international students but also brings together other international students who have previously studied at UGM. They also interact with local students in the hope that there will be adjacency between them. “We want to build closeness between students when they go home, they not only study but have family and close friends,” Andi Arsana said on the sidelines of the event.

In this gathering, Andi said that the international students who had previously studied at UGM give their testimony and experience of studying and living in Indonesia. “We ask the previous international students to share their experiences so that these new students will adapt quickly,” he said.

Through this joint gathering event, new students from the international program are also introduced to the rules that applied in the UGM campus environment starts from the discipline matters to the behavior in wearing clothes.

On this occasion, the new students directly met other international students from Japan, Africa, China, Korea, Africa, and the Netherlands. Lima D.C. Boon, a student of the International Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, recounted his experience during two years of college that was quite impressive so that when he returned on vacation to his hometown, he felt like he wanted to back to the campus. According to him, Indonesians are very friendly and easygoing. When we are chatting, they tend to joke and throw humor. “When we meet, they often ask, ‘where are you from?’ Then ‘what is your social media?'” he recalled.

He suggested the new students from international programs learn a lot of Indonesian youth slang. “But if you want to have it naturally, you are better to ride online-hired-motorcycle often,” he said.

Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Firsto
Translator: Natasa A

Artikel International Students Held A Gathering Event pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Prof. Dr. dr. Hardyanto Soebono, Sp.KK (K) as promoter said that the honorary title was given as a recognition for Dato’ Sri Tahir’s meritorious service to the field of education development across disciplines, technology and socio-cultural, humanitarian and social. The services provided are very useful for the progress, prosperity and welfare of the nation in particular to mankind in general. 

“Philanthropy activities of the honorary doctorate degree recipients cover a very broad scientific field. The significance of his services in boosting the quality of medical services, public health and humanitarian encourage the Faculty of Medicine to recommend Dato ‘Sri Prof. Tahir, MBA as an honorary degree awardee,” Hardyanto Soebono said in his speech at the Senate Hall, Friday (22/1). 

According to Hardyanto, Dato ‘Sri Tahir had outstanding contributions in the field of medicine, public health and humanity, especially in the fight against diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. These diseases are not only on the top priority list due to its risk but also because it requires a high level of financing. 

His high commitment is also demonstrated in family planning programs as a factor which if not controlled will multiply the complexity of the health program. Meanwhile, to run the health programs to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Indonesia, he is also supported by the Global Fund. 

“Through philanthropy, Dato’ Sri Tahir shows his dedication to this country by giving 75 million US dollars, the same amount of fund given by Bill Gates, world philanthropist, to the Global Fund. Besides expands the community’s access to health services through hospitals, Dato’ Sri Tahir also provides full medical assistance for cancer patients under 12 years old who cannot afford the medical expenses, “Hardyanto added. 

In his speech, Dato’ Sri Tahir stated that culture of philanthropy is not begging, but the culture of transforming ideas, to work together with sincerity of the stakeholder as well as the actors. Therefore, in the development of philanthropy in the future, the impression and the role of the giver and the receiver are expected to melt into one role of developing brilliant ideas together. 

According to Tahir, in the 21st century, there is a tendency of philanthropy growth in Asia. Indonesia is part of the Asian community, it is time for Indonesia to properly manage the philanthropic activities. 

For Tahir, philanthropy worth developing as a new culture, the culture of shifting resources or assets from one generation to the next generation. Therefore, this culture needs to prepare a system such as profit organization in general. 

“Philanthropy is not merely implementation of the tax deductible obligations or activities that can reduce taxes, such as CSR. Therefore, we need to develop various national philanthropy forum in the near future, which we hope UGM can lead, “said the Chairman of the Mayapada Group. 

This honorary doctorate degree of medicine, public health and humanity is the 23^rd awards given by Universitas Gadjah Mada after a number of national leaders received a similar degree. 

Artikel UGM to Confer Honorary Doctorate Degree on Dato’ Sri Tahir pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.