A lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Cimahi, West Java, successfully defended his “Youth Self-Expansion Through Relationships” dissertation during an open examination.

During the defense, supported by his primary advisor, Professor Koentjoro, and co-advisor, Dr. Muhammad Najib Azca, Dr. Zein Permana discussed issues surrounding self-expansion in relationships to facilitate youth in their creative endeavors. 

He explained that self-expansion through relationships can help young people understand and broaden their connections, define their roles and directions in their work, and enhance their interpersonal skills and worldview.

“The method used in this research is action research because the issues addressed are significant and urgent, requiring involvement with young people as participants in a collaborative relationship while opening up communication channels in the form of dialogue to achieve the research findings and outputs,” said Dr. Permana on Thursday, Jul. 18, 2024.

The research provided insights into how youth perceive themselves and their relationships. The features of exploration and mobilization describe how young people experience youth from their perspective.

These features, which academics have not previously explicitly used to explain or predict youth behavior, reveal how young people describe their thoughts, feelings, recognition, challenges, and motivations related to their reality as youth.

“This exploration and mobilization feature is a keyword that defines who and what youth in Indonesia. This picture is a novelty because it makes it easier for academics, practitioners, and the government to have an analytical knife in explaining, predicting, and even controlling behavior individually, interpersonally, and in youth groups,” he said.

Dr. Permana believes his research contributes significantly to understanding youth experiences concerning self, relationships, roles, and directions in their creative pursuits. 

The findings suggest the need for adequate support and facilitation from various parties to develop productive and creative youth through self-expansion in relationships.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel Dr. Zein Permana Defends Dissertation on Youth Self-Expansion Through Relationships pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Integrating self-management becomes more accessible with the DiaRIn App, which can improve self-management and glycemic control in patients with T2DM.

“Users are satisfied, and the DiaRIn Android application is recommended for general use by patients with T2DM,” stated Dewi Murdiyanti Prihatin Putri during her doctoral defense at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), on Thursday (21/3).

On that occasion, Dr. Putri defended her dissertation, Implementation of Integrated Diabetes Self-Management Based on the Android Application (DiaRIn App) in Improving Self-Management and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Based on her research, the DiaRIn Android application was developed based on user needs and then tested using the Heuristic Evaluation method. 

Most of the issues that arose were minor usability problems, so overall, the Android application can be easily used. The Think Aloud method also revealed that users are satisfied with using the DiaRIn application, finding it easy, effective, and efficient.

“There are many benefits that patients with T2DM experience in guiding self-management using the DiaRIn application, so self-awareness and commitment are needed in its implementation,” she added.

Families can continue to monitor and remind patients of their self-management activities through the DiaRIn application so that patients can carry out their self-management regularly and orderly.

Healthcare professionals responsible for the Prolanis program can introduce the DiaRIn application to patients and families and use it in healthcare services to monitor self-management implementation in patients with T2DM. 

They can also provide education and a means for health consultations, making it easier to monitor the health conditions of patients with T2DM.

Author: Satria

Photo: FK-KMK UGM

Artikel DiaRIn App Empowers Patients with Type 2 Diabetes for Self-Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In a proactive stride towards fortifying national security, resilience, and integrity, Dr. Iswandi, an Electrical Engineering lecturer at UGM, delved into research on applying High-Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) for ship detection and tracking. 

Beyond developing radar signal modeling techniques, Dr. Iswandi also devised testing methodologies tailored for ship tracking algorithms on HFSWR, explicitly focusing on vessels with high maneuverability.

Presenting his findings during the public defense of the Electrical Engineering Doctoral Program on Tuesday (Feb. 20), Dr. Iswandi elucidated the potential of HFSWR as a pivotal technology for maritime surveillance. 

He emphasized its expansive coverage, extending up to the exclusive economic zone boundary and its real-time functionality.

“HFSWR is well-suited for maritime surveillance due to its broad coverage and real-time capabilities,” the new doctor expounded.

In his dissertation defense before the examination committee, the 48-year-old Kulon Progo native underscored the challenges of implementing HFSWR for ship monitoring. 

Notably, the technology contends with relatively low spatial and temporal resolutions, presenting complexities in tracking highly maneuverable vessels. 

In response, Dr. Iswandi proposed the development of precise testing devices and methodologies tailored for assessing ship tracking algorithms in dynamic maritime scenarios.

The crux of his contribution lies in creating a comprehensive mathematical model for HFSWR, encompassing three primary components: input signals, radar signal processing system, and target detection. 

The input signals include ship reflection signals, sea clutter, and noise. This meticulously constructed model generates data as a demonstrative tool for understanding the ship detection and tracking processes.

Dr. Iswandi’s research culminated in the formulation of an HFSWR signal model featuring notable contributions and innovations, notably utilizing the MMG model to generate radar data for highly maneuverable ships.

“The research has successfully developed a method for analyzing the performance of ship tracking algorithms on HFSWR by considering the movements of high maneuvering ships and compensating for radial error variations,” Dr. Iswandi elucidated.

This scholarly endeavor earned him an A for his dissertation, with a highly satisfactory predicate and an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.0. 

The research findings have further made their mark in the academic realm, having been published in the international journal titled “An Evaluation Method of Ship Tracking Algorithms for High-Frequency Surface Wave Radar Considering High Maneuvers Generated by the MMG Model,” featured in the Journal of Engineering in 2023.

Author: Gloria

Artikel UGM Faculty of Engineering Lecturer Develops Radar Signal Modeling for Ship Detection and Tracking pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Dr. Erlan Wijatmoko achieves this feat with a dissertation focused on assessing the efficacy of laws implemented by the Aceh government in regional development.

“Dr. Erlan Wijatmoko completed his doctoral education in 2 years and ten months. He is not only the first doctoral graduate of the National Resilience program at UGM but also the first doctoral graduate in national resilience science in Indonesia because our program was the first of its kind in the country,” proclaimed Professor Armaidy Armawi, the program head, on Wednesday (Jan. 10).

Expressing optimism, Professor Armawi envisions Dr. Wijatmoko making a positive contribution upon his return to the North Aceh Regency Government. He underscores the significance of Dr. Wijatmoko’s role in disseminating knowledge, propelling societal advancement, and fostering the intellectual development of the nation.

Dr. Wijatmoko, a distinguished National Resilience Doctoral Program student, completed his doctoral journey by defending a dissertation titled “The Effectiveness of the Aceh Government Law (UUPA) in Regional Development for Economic Resilience in North Aceh Regency.”

Guided by Professor Armaidy Armawi and Professor Teuku Faisal Fathani, Dr. Wijatmoko graduated with honors, attaining an impressive GPA of 3.98, during the degree conferral meeting held on Dec. 22, 2023.

In his dissertation, Dr. Wijatmoko delved into the challenges posed by the perceived ineffectiveness of the Aceh Government Law as a guiding framework for regional development policies. 

His findings pointed to various factors contributing to this ineffectiveness, including the limited involvement and distinctive characteristics of new political elites in implementing the law, legal uncertainties regarding its content vis-a-vis other national regulations, and the minimal role of the community in providing constructive feedback on regional government policies. 

These challenges had adverse effects on the economic resilience of North Aceh, rendering it susceptible to threats of poverty and regional dependence.

Moreover, Dr. Wijatmoko’s significant contribution extends beyond the academic realm, with his dissertation being successfully published in Scopus-indexed international journals. 

Notable publications include “Uncovering the Challenges of Sustainable Development in North Aceh: A Policy Analysis of Special Transfer Funds” in the Journal Sustainability (MDPI) – Scopus Q1, “Legal Effectiveness in Promoting Development Policies: A Case Study of North Aceh Indonesia” in the Journal Heliyon – Scopus Q1, and “An evaluation of a special government’s legal structure for alleviating poverty: Role of local government in North Aceh, Indonesia” in the Journal of Infrastructure, Policy, and Development – Scopus Q2.

Author: UGM National Resilience Program

Editor: Ika

Artikel UGM Grants First Doctorate in National Resilience Program in Indonesia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This revelation unfolded during the public examination of Dr. Moelyo’s doctoral program on Tuesday (Dec. 12). 

His comprehensive research, encapsulated in a dissertation titled “Comparison of Indonesia’s National Growth Curve and WHO Curve in Assessing Linear Growth and Stunting as Predictors of Cognitive Function in Adolescents and Young Adults in Indonesia,” sheds light on the nuanced relationship between growth patterns and cognitive development.

Dr. Moelyo underscored that his research stems from compelling evidence illustrating variations in the correlation between linear growth during childhood and cognitive function in adolescence. 

The Height-for-Age z-Score (HAZ) curve for Indonesian children diverges from the WHO growth curve, influenced by distinct genetic factors and socioeconomic conditions inherent to Indonesia.

“The adoption of region-specific or national growth curves holds the promise of heightened sensitivity in recognizing the intricate connection between linear growth or childhood stunting and cognitive function in subsequent years,” said the Head of the Pediatric Health Sciences Specialist Program at Sebelas Maret University (UNS).

The essence of Dr. Moelyo’s research lies in the meticulous comparison of Indonesia’s national growth curve with the WHO curve, particularly in delineating the ramifications of linear growth and childhood stunting on cognitive function in adolescents and young adults.

Leveraging longitudinal data drawn from 1488 Indonesian children from IFLS 1993, Dr. Moelyo meticulously evaluated linear growth and childhood stunting between the ages of 2-5 using the Indonesian and WHO curves. 

The research subjects, encompassing adolescents and young adults, numbered 1,121 and 796 individuals, respectively. 

The results underscored that the application of Indonesia’s national growth curve significantly refines the assessment of how early childhood stunting influences cognitive function in subsequent life stages.

“The utilization of Indonesia’s national growth curve vividly illustrates the impact of a child’s linear growth on their cognitive function in adolescence,” he said.

“Moreover, educational factors wield a more substantial influence on the cognitive function of adolescents and young adults than the impact of a child’s linear growth.”

Author: Ika

Artikel UNS Lecturer Attains Doctorate at UGM After In-Depth Study of Indonesia’s National Growth Curve pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

His journey culminated in a successful defense of his dissertation on the “Influence of Genetic Variation SLC22A1 rs628031 on the Population-Based Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of Metformin: An Indirect Response Model Study in Javanese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Patients.”

In his dissertation, Dr. Pradana delved into the critical issue of suboptimal therapeutic effects observed in many patients initiating metformin monotherapy for type 2 diabetes. 

Drawing from a thorough examination of existing studies, he uncovered reports indicating that the drug’s efficacy fell short of the optimal mark in a significant subset of patients.

“Approximately 40 percent of patients fail to achieve the therapeutic target within the first three months of metformin treatment,” he said during his presentation at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing on Friday (Dec. 8).

“Several factors contributing to variations in metformin therapy response encompass genetic variances in transporters, body mass index (BMI), kidney function, age, gender, medication adherence, nutritional diet, and exercise.” 

Dr. Pradana elucidated that genetic variations in organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) are pivotal in the heterogeneous responses to metformin therapy. 

OCT1, a crucial transporter for metformin, exhibits heightened expression in the liver, dwelling on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes and the plasma membrane of cholangiocytes.

OCT1 is also prevalent in the ileum, particularly on the lateral membrane of enterocytes and on the apical and subapical domains of proximal and distal tubules in the kidneys. 

Genetic variations in the Solute Carrier Family 22A1 (SLC22A1) gene, the guardian of OCT1, reduce its functionality as a transporter, hampering metformin’s transit into the systemic circulation from enterocytes and hepatocytes.

The overarching goal of Dr. Pradana’s research was to scrutinize the impact of genetic variations in the SLC22A1 rs628031 gene, governing the OCT1 transporter, on the population-based pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of metformin and the ensuing therapeutic response after a 12-week follow-up. 

This inquiry aimed to provide insights into the interplay of pharmacogenetics and PK/PD metformin, elucidating the variances in therapy response through a PK/PD lens.

“Specifically, this study seeks to establish the frequency distribution of the SLC22A1 rs628031 A>G (Met408Val) gene variation in Javanese type 2 diabetes patients undergoing metformin monotherapy,” he clarified.

Dr. Pradana underscored that the study encompassed 123 participants newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and administered metformin monotherapy at a dosage of 2×500 mg. 

He aspires to have his dissertation prove instrumental in advancing the realms of pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics about metformin, emerging as a touchstone for optimizing therapy for type 2 diabetes patients in Indonesia.

While acknowledging the accomplishment, Dr. Pradana emphasized the imperative of further research on additional transporter genes associated with metformin. 

A comprehensive pharmacogenomic panorama of metformin in the Javanese population remains a quest for future exploration. Additionally, research spotlighting the efficacy of metformin therapy in patients grappling with insulin resistance demands further cultivation.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Dr. Dimas Adhi Pradana Unravels Dynamics of Metformin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

However, what is happening now is that the media tends to follow the emerging topics in society, even influencing the media’s independence. 

One discourse not widely discussed by the media is the issue of human rights (HR). Nevertheless, this issue requires more attention because it relates to the growth of HR realities in Indonesia.

Through her dissertation, Senja Yustitia has researched the development of the media system in presenting information about HR.

“Until now, Human Rights (HR) has only been used as a backdrop for events. This research shows the framework’s evolution, consistency, and development of HR,” the Ph.D. candidate at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences said.

“This research places HR as a significant site. Furthermore, it doesn’t just emphasize journalists but also how the media grows and adapts to the existing environment.”

The media’s role as a shaper of societal reality is essential for sorting information and increasing the urgency of specific issues. Discussions about HR began to gain traction in the early days of reform. 

Unfortunately, according to Yustitia, the HR issue has gradually disappeared from public discourse because the media no longer presents it as intensive information. 

Even in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, HR is not a prioritized topic of discussion for the public compared to issues of welfare and the economy.

“I think we need to emphasize that media, in general, should be able to summon many voices and new concerns. Many fundamental HR issues have never received much attention in the media,” she said.

“This is quite dangerous because we all know that HR is discussed cautiously and is not widely opened. After all, it is considered too liberal, disruptive, etc.”

This research analyzed 241 news articles from media outlets released from 1998 to 2019. The results show patterns of consistency and news framing built by the media over the years.

The most common frame regarding HR is the frame of responsibility for specific parties regarding HR violations and the mandates and ideals of reform. HR discussions intensify when they are linked to unresolved HR violation events. 

However, discussions about HR in a broader sense have occurred infrequently. Yustitia also revealed that HR discussions in the media have experienced stagnation several times, with a lack of media initiative to introduce novelty.

“The emerging discourses often argue that human rights must be balanced with responsibility, tolerance, or harmonization. When such discourse arises, there is great concern within. This discourse indirectly polarizes critical people on this matter,” Yustitia added.

“Therefore, the media should then take up the mantle to provide balanced discourse so that these communication topics live among us.”

Author: Tasya

Artikel Human Rights Discussion in Media Stagnant Since 1998 pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Social interactions in the digital world can positively affect a child’s growth and development regarding access to learning materials, digital literacy, identity formation, and social connections. 

However, there are also threats to children, such as the potential to become victims of advertising, spam, personal information tracking, involvement in downloading illegal content, and the possibility of exposure to pornography and cyberbullying. 

Therefore, parents play a crucial role in monitoring their children’s digital activities.

Research conducted by Annissa Reginasari, a doctoral student in psychology at the UGM Faculty of Psychology, focused on modeling parental monitoring of children’s digital activities and involved 433 respondents who were parents over 36 years old and living in Yogyakarta and Riau. 

The study found that closeness plays a significant role in supporting parents’ monitoring of their children’s digital activities, alongside efforts to build closeness with their children. 

“Parents need to reduce the intensity and duration of their children’s internet-connected device usage and redirect their attention towards optimizing parenting functions,” Reginasari said during her doctoral defense on Tuesday (September 26). 

Professor Tina Afiatin was her supervisor, with Dr. Bhina Patria as co-supervisor.

According to Reginasari, building closeness with children will help parents obtain voluntary information about their children’s daily activities, including their digital ones. 

“Operationally, parents need to pay full attention when their children talk about their online and offline activities, follow the social media created by their children or managed by the parents, and ensure that online interactions between parents and children do not threaten closeness or erode the child’s trust in their parents,” she explained.

Furthermore, Reginasari suggested that parents should also reduce conflicts with their children so that they can build holistic trust in their parents and openly discuss their online and offline experiences. 

This is because children can trust their parents when they feel safe and not judged for whatever they share with their parents. 

“It is important for parents to provide unconditional positive acceptance to their children, both in terms of building closeness and in implementing parental monitoring,” she added.

The willingness of children to share information with their parents indicates that parents have successfully built a quality relationship with their children. 

This will help parents implement monitoring of their children’s digital activities, primarily through monitoring and agreements. Children can share their online and offline experiences during family dinners or spending time with their parents on school holidays.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Photo: Freepik

Artikel New UGM Study Finds Closeness Crucial in Parental Monitoring of Children’s Digital Activities pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The study, conducted by Asih Murwiati, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Lampung, used data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) from 1997, 2000, 2007, and 2014.

In 2022, Indonesia recorded 26,161.19 thousand impoverished people, with almost half residing in East Java, West Java, and Central Java. 

Additionally, the income inequality rate in Indonesia, measured by the Gini ratio, experienced a slight increase from 0.381 in September 2021 to 0.384 in March 2022.

Efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in Indonesia face various issues and challenges. One of these challenges is the changing poverty indicators, which have caused Indonesia’s poverty rate to increase according to international standards.

“Another challenge is to maintain the trend of decreasing poverty rates in Indonesia in case of economic shocks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a decrease in the well-being of most households in Indonesia,” said Murwiati during her public doctoral dissertation defense on Friday (September 8).

The study found that the composite variable of social protection is statistically significant, indicating that social protection programs are crucial in reducing inequality. 

Furthermore, educational inequality had the highest value, indicating that addressing educational inequality is crucial and requires effective policy solutions.

Other findings indicate that the moderate deprivation group is the largest group suffering from deprivation. This pattern is consistent across all survey periods. 

However, the shift pattern in the low and high groups has not consistently decreased. The deprivation patterns based on age groups suggest inconsistent upward or downward movements in each group, particularly among the oldest children.

“Household expenditures in the four survey periods underwent gradual changes due to gradual changes in household characteristics,” she explained.

“Gradual independent variables had a significant impact in each period. Regarding extreme poverty, the education and gender of the household head determine extreme poverty status.”

Murwiati further recommended routine evaluations of social protection schemes, as they can significantly contribute to poverty reduction and inequality through spatial analysis that captures regional characteristics.

In formulating anti-poverty policies, it is essential to focus on improving the welfare of children, given that children are a vulnerable group. Deprivations experienced during childhood can have long-term effects on their lives.

“When it comes to reducing extreme poverty, a series of approaches is needed, including financial inclusion and accessibility to basic services,” she said.

“This policy cannot work in isolation but requires the cooperation of multiple units because social protection alone is insufficient to provide a rapid response to reducing extreme poverty.”

Author: Ika

Artikel Study Reveals Social Protection and Education Key to Reducing Poverty, Inequality in Indonesia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In his online defense on Wednesday, September 6, he defended his dissertation “Essays on Human Capital and Its Relation to Household Poverty in Rural Indonesia.”

Arimi explained that poverty and limited human capital in education are two severe issues in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. Until now, villages continue to be pockets of poverty in Indonesia.

On average, the educational achievements of the rural population are relatively low, with the heads of poor households in rural areas having an average of less than six years of schooling, often not completing primary education. 

Poverty and education are two interrelated factors according to the vicious circle of poverty. On the one hand, education can be a determinant of poverty, but on the other hand, poverty can lead to low educational achievements.

Therefore, Arimi’s research aimed to analyze the relationship between education and household poverty in rural Indonesia. In the first stage of the study, he examined the impact of education on rural household poverty in Indonesia. 

In the subsequent stage, the study analyzed the impact of poverty on children’s educational outcomes within rural households in Indonesia.

“Thus, as a whole, this dissertation attempts to analyze the phenomenon of the poverty cycle within rural households in Indonesia,” said Arimi during his defense.

Arimi used the Pooled OLS estimation technique and instrumental variables (IV) in his research. The research data was sourced from the IFLS (Indonesia Family Life Survey) data, specifically IFLS-4 in 2007 and IFLS-5 in 2014. 

Additionally, the study utilized rainfall data from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHRIPS) in 2007 and 2014 as an instrument for the poverty variable.

“The research results show that the head of household’s education, measured by years of education and level of education, both have a significant negative impact on monetary and multidimensional poverty in rural households in Indonesia,” he stated.

The study found that the multidimensional poverty experienced by rural households significantly negatively impacts children’s educational outcomes, measured by test scores and years of education. 

However, monetary poverty only significantly negatively impacts test scores and does not substantially affect years of education.

The head of the household’s education, measured by years of education and education level, substantially impacts multidimensional-poor families more than monetarily poor households.

“This can be observed from comparing the education coefficient obtained from both estimations,” he added.

Rural households experiencing monetary poverty more substantially impact their children’s test scores than multidimensional-poor households. 

This can be understood in the context of Indonesia, where the value of money is more sensitive to poor households.

“Based on the overall analysis of the study, a poverty cycle phenomenon was identified within poor households in rural Indonesia, particularly when the formation of capital indicators in rural households uses human capital measures, especially in the education dimension,” he explained.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel UGM Student Completes Doctorate, Focuses on Poverty and Human Capital in Rural Indonesia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.