During the inauguration ceremony, Professor Widyastuti delivered her inaugural lecture titled “Predicting the Risk of Severe Perioperative Critical Events to Improve Patient Safety in Pediatric Anesthesia Procedures.”

In her speech, Professor Widyastuti explained that perioperative critical conditions are respiratory, cardiac, allergic, or neurological complications requiring immediate intervention, which, if not promptly addressed, could lead to disability or death. 

Anesthesia procedures for adults and children differ, and these differences make pediatric anesthesia procedures more prone to complications that can result in disability or death. Thus, a special approach is required to predict risks and mitigate them. 

No predictive tools exist in Indonesia to forecast perioperative critical events in children. 

“This has motivated me to raise this topic, so it can become a reference for predicting perioperative critical events in children in the future,” she stated.

Professor Widyastuti outlined several factors influencing severe perioperative critical events in children. In general anesthesia, newborns are at higher risk of perioperative critical events compared to other age groups due to their developing anatomy. 

Data-based studies have shown that girls have a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular critical events compared to boys. 

“Other influencing factors include congenital anomalies, which involve structural or functional body abnormalities present from birth, the patient’s condition, and the type of anesthesia used,” she explained.

A recent systematic review of perioperative risk assessment tools from 10 studies found that the accuracy of prediction scores for severe perioperative critical events varied, with mortality rates ranging from 0.3% to 3.6%. 

These models use age at surgery, the need for mechanical ventilation within 48 hours before surgery, and oxygen support as the main predictors. 

Other factors are inotropic support, sepsis, emergency case status, the presence of a “do-not-resuscitate” order, preoperative blood transfusion, cancer, hematologic disorders, physical status, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before surgery.

Using perioperative critical event risk prediction tools is crucial in improving post-operative clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. 

The latest development uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the risk of severe perioperative critical events. 

Several studies have shown the benefits of machine learning in mapping post-operative complication risk factors.

According to Professor Widyastuti, assessing critical event risk is essential to minimize such risks. This effort should prioritize younger children. 

“In Indonesia, there is a need for a standardized predictive tool to forecast the risk of perioperative critical events in children, as well as a simple and practical clinical guideline that is easy to use,” she emphasized.

The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, mentioned that Professor Widyastuti is one of 525 active professors at UGM and one of 72 active professors out of 102 professors that FK-KMK UGM has ever had.

Author: Jelita Agustine 

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Professor Yunita Widyastuti Calls for Risk Prediction Tools in Pediatric Surgery pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

During his inaugural speech, Professor Abimanyu presented a lecture titled Islamic Economics as a Form of Compliance, a Way of Life, and a Beneficial Business Activity. 

His speech was based on his journey in exploring the knowledge and benefits of Islamic economics in Indonesia.

“Islamic economics is a branch of economic science that adheres to Islamic laws and principles. Its practitioners follow it out of religious compliance or obligation, such as ensuring transactions are halal, beneficial, and free from usury. Others perceive Islamic economics as a way of life based on sharing, cleanliness, and health,” he explained.

Professor Abimanyu stated that Islamic economics has become an increasingly relevant discipline within macroeconomics, which covers policies and regulations. 

Its appeal is not limited to Muslim students but also attracts non-Muslims. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom began promoting Islamic financial hubs. 

“Many Western universities have also established centers for Islamic economic studies,” he noted.

He explained that in Indonesia, the history of Islamic economics, particularly Islamic banking, began with banking deregulation in 1983. 

From that point, Bank Indonesia allowed six banks to determine their own interest rates and permitted profit-sharing systems in credit transactions.

“This deregulation laid the foundation for the development of Islamic banking in Indonesia,” he said.

In another part of his speech, Professor Abimanyu expressed that he no longer views Islamic economics merely as an alternative or complementary system to conventional economics. 

Instead, he has developed a new perspective, seeing Islamic economics as an expression of religious obedience and submission to divine revelation. 

Key aspects such as compliance, lifestyle, and societal benefits are fundamental to Islamic teachings, following halal transactions that strictly avoid gharar (transactional uncertainty), maysir (speculation), and riba (usury).

“It is not just about being halal, but also tayyib—promoting ethical and healthy consumption habits,” he emphasized.

Regarding the utilization and growing interest in Islamic economics in Indonesia, Professor Abimanyu noted that compliance, lifestyle, and business principles within Islamic economics have become focal points for Islamic scholars. 

“My research focuses on aspects of religious adherence, lifestyle, and business decisions in choosing Islamic banking products, consuming halal goods, and the benefits of umrah travel,” he stated.

UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia highlighted that Professor Abimanyu is one of 525 active professors at UGM and one of five active professors at SV UGM.

Professor Abimanyu has held several notable positions, including Head of the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH) from 2017 to 2022, Commissioner of BRI Syariah from 2015 to 2017, and Chief Economist of BRI from 2014 to 2017. 

He served as Head of the Fiscal Policy Agency at the Ministry of Finance from 2003 to 2010 and as an expert staff member for the Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2003. 

Before becoming Deputy Minister of Finance, he was the Head of the Department of Economics and Business at SV UGM, where he also lectured.

Several prominent national figures attended the inauguration ceremony, including Indonesia’s 11th Vice President Boediono, the 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and Professor Pratikno, the UGM Board of Trustees Chair. 

Several coordinating ministers were also present, such as the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and the Presidential Adviser for Politics and Security, Wiranto. 

Other attendees included Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Ganjar Pranowo, Anies Baswedan, Mahfud MD, and Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej.

Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Iskandar praised Professor Abimanyu for becoming a professor at SV UGM. He described it as an extraordinary accomplishment, especially given Professor Abimanyu’s focus on Islamic economics. 

“UGM plays an integral role in advancing knowledge and its application in all aspects of development. Congratulations to Professor Abimanyu and UGM,” he said.

Similarly, Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto appreciated Professor Abimanyu’s inauguration. 

“His lecture on Islamic economics and its relevance to modern lifestyles is significant and will help drive the growth of the Islamic economy,” he remarked.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel Deputy Finance Minister Anggito Abimanyu Inaugurated as UGM Professor in Economics pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Throughout his career, Professor Masyhuri actively conducted strategic research, particularly on food security. 

The president honored him with the Adhikarya Pangan Nusantara Award for his contributions to national food security research. 

However, despite his accomplishments, there is still one unresolved concern. 

“I am still saddened because I have not yet found a concept that truly ensures farmers’ welfare,” he said during his retirement gathering, held warmly and modestly on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Agriculture UGM.

He emphasized that farmers’ welfare must be the top priority in agricultural policies, including ensuring adequate land ownership. 

He also highlighted the importance of technological innovation in agriculture, such as utilizing seawater for cultivation without reducing land productivity. 

“Indonesia must develop seawater irrigation technology so that dry and barren land can still be cultivated, rather than relying solely on freshwater,” he added.

Professor Masyhuri is known as a smart and dedicated academic who has worked for over 45 years in agricultural economics. 

Reflecting on his life journey, he recounted the challenges he faced, from being bullied in elementary school to sacrificing his choice of high school for his younger sibling. 

Each challenge, he said, only strengthened him. 

He also shared the unique story behind his decision to join Agriculture UGM.

“I was actually accepted into UGM’s Geodesy and Civil Engineering programs, but my father couldn’t afford to buy a drafting table. So, I steered toward agriculture, which was my third choice. It turned out to be the path meant for me,” he recalled.

The retirement gathering, attended by colleagues, students, and alumni from various universities, including Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN), Institut Pertanian (INSTIPER),  and other universities, was a memorable tribute to his long academic journey.

Dean of Agriculture UGM, Dr. Jaka Widada, deeply appreciated Professor Masyhuri’s dedication to education. He noted that Professor Masyhuri was a teacher and a mentor to many generations of agricultural economics experts in Indonesia. 

“He has produced many graduates who are now making significant contributions nationwide. His character is a role model for all of us, consistent in dedication and service,” he said.

For students and colleagues, Professor Masyhuri was known for his vast knowledge and his passion for sharing it. 

His teaching style was distinctive. He brought thick textbooks to class, delivered material enthusiastically, and always posed thought-provoking questions.

“Initially, he seemed strict and quiet, but during mentoring sessions, he turned out to be very friendly and humorous. He was critical in discussions, highly committed to developing the institution, and always embedded valuable lessons in every case study,” recalled a former student.

A colleague and representative of the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Professor Dwidjono Hadi Susanto, added that Professor Masyhuri was a remarkably diligent academic. 

His journey from undergraduate to doctorate was a testament to his hard work and determination. 

“He pursued his education at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños directly to a Ph.D. program, skipping the master’s level, which is very rare. He also received a World Bank scholarship and has won eight prestigious academic awards, including from the United States,” he said.

Despite his impressive achievements, Professor Masyhuri’s focus on academics led him to delay personal matters. 

“He was so focused that he forgot to marry. It wasn’t until he nearly completed his Ph.D. that he was asked to return home to be matched with a partner,” Professor Susanto jokes, prompting laughter from the audience.

At the end of the event, attendees offered prayers and best wishes for the professor to enjoy his retirement with happiness, health, and peace. 

“His legacy of kindness and contribution will always live on in our hearts,” said one alumnus.

That day, Professor Masyhuri officially retired, but his legacy in Indonesian academics and agriculture will continue to thrive. His dedication, knowledge, and spirit will inspire future generations.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel Professor Masyhuri Retires After 45 Years of Dedication to Agricultural Economics and Farmers’ Welfare pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This leadership training, aimed at professors from various national universities, focuses on enhancing the commitment to dignified and innovative education.

Since last year, The Altitude has been joined by over 50 professors from Indonesia to improve leadership capacity in a Training of Trainers (ToT) format. 

This year’s session focused on leadership and collaborative innovation in industry and technology. The UGM Professors’ Board (DGB UGM) provides a platform for professors to share knowledge and transform students.

Chair of DGB UGM, Professor Muhammad Baiquni, stated that The Altitude is a significant step for UGM and national universities in contributing to human, economic, and national development. 

The meeting also strengthens the position of professors as the highest academic rank. 

“Hopefully, the innovations and dedication of professors will pave the way for scientific advancements,” Professor Baiquni said.

He emphasized the importance of leadership based on the concept of “Astha Brata,” meaning “Earthbound Leadership,” which involves resilience, courage, and balance. 

“We need to be resilient and courageous while maintaining balance and providing guidance,” he explained.

Regarding innovation development, Professor Sang Kompiang Wirawan, Secretary of the Directorate of Business Development at UGM, mentioned that UGM promotes transformation and innovation by building a teaching, research, and socio-entrepreneurial university. 

These are realized through the Science Technopark program initiated by UGM in 2018.

“We aim to focus on environmental and social issues,” Professor Wirawan said.

He emphasized that innovation should develop organically, not solely for profit. Initially, the Science Technopark had no dedicated location, but it had a strong concept, which was later realized in the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM), further strengthening UGM’s commitment.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Collaborates with Professors to Promote Dignified and Innovative Education pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The two professors are Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi, inaugurated as professor of livestock production systems, and Professor Panjono, inaugurated as professor of livestock production at Animal Science UGM.

These two animal science experts complemented each other and discussed the importance of animal science for society’s broader needs. 

In his inaugural speech, “Development of the Livestock Industry Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” Professor Panjono explained that the fulfillment of the meat supply as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, which aims to improve the quality of education and children’s health by providing nutritious food, is crucial to supporting the program. 

“Meat contains many essential nutrients for the body, such as proteins, iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins,” he said.

Chicken, beef, and buffalo meat primarily dominate meat consumption in Indonesia. However, unlike broiler chickens, which can meet demand due to a surplus, beef and buffalo meat still experience a deficit. 

This deficit arises from the lower production of beef and buffalo meat, which stands at 496.25 thousand tons compared to the national demand of 759.67 thousand tons.

This shortfall has been met through meat or live cattle imports. However, relying on imports is not ideal for national food independence, according to him. 

“Meeting meat demand by increasing domestic production will enhance food sovereignty and provide added value for the livestock industry,” he stated.

He further elaborated that strategic steps must be taken to develop a livestock industry that meets national needs and increases farmers’ income. 

These include improving genetic quality, applying efficient farming techniques, developing production systems, and optimizing business scales. 

“These steps must be outlined in short, medium, and long-term programs so that the goal of independently meeting national meat demand can be achieved alongside the realization of the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision,” Professor Panjono concluded.

Similarly, Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi raised related issues in her inaugural speech, “Designing Sustainable Livestock Production Systems with a Holistic Approach Based on Local Wisdom.” She explained that a sustainable livestock production system could help address food security issues in Indonesia.

Professor Widi stated that food and energy availability are crucial and longstanding issues for many countries worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception. 

She explained that red meat, particularly beef, is a traditional source of animal protein in Indonesia, but there is still a gap between production and consumption. 

“Reflecting on projections of beef production and consumption in Indonesia for 2023–2027, a gap between production and consumption remains,” Professor Widi explained.

She further noted that this deficit is partly due to differences between government programs and farmers’ goals. 

Professor Widi then discussed various efforts to meet food needs, explaining that every effort to increase food production has impacts on the environment, biodiversity, animal welfare, and human health. 

Therefore, a sustainable approach that appreciates local wisdom is needed to ensure that future food production does not compromise human health, biodiversity, animal welfare, or the environment. 

“Research and development should be directed towards the contribution of agricultural/livestock production systems to sustainable development through a holistic approach that recognizes farmers’ dual objectives and related trade-offs,” she emphasized.

In her closing remarks, Professor Widi presented several ideas related to the sustainability of livestock production systems, particularly in livestock development. 

These include paying attention to local production systems and local wisdom, analyzing trade-offs and impacts in every production system’s progress, improving local production systems, land use sharing, and utilizing marginal land, as well as synergistic, comprehensive, and conducive government policies. 

She added that the success of this design requires collaboration from all stakeholders and government support to make it a reality.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Professors Discuss Livestock Industry Strategies for Golden Indonesia 2045 pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In fact, understanding these benefits and prescribing exercise as part of disease management has been practiced for over 2,500 years in various parts of the world. 

However, over time, exercise has received less attention as a component of disease treatment and prevention. 

“Exercise is often considered merely as a form of entertainment, a way to fill leisure time, or to shape the body,” said Professor Denny Agustiningsih from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), who was inaugurated as professor of sports physiology on Thursday (Jan. 30).

In her inaugural speech, “Does Exercise Always Bring Health Benefits?” Professor Agustiningsih presented various studies on factors contributing to the high incidence of chronic diseases, ultimately reemphasizing the importance of physical activity in the medical field. 

Researchers believe no other intervention, such as physical activity, can positively impact multiple organs and body systems. 

“In 2007, integrating physical activity into routine healthcare emerged as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases. The main principle of this initiative stressed that exercise is not only a means to improve fitness but also an essential tool in preventing and treating various chronic diseases,” she explained.

According to her, exercise can indeed be an extraordinary means of maintaining and improving health, but it must be done wisely—following the right dosage and always paying attention to the body’s signals that require recovery time and repair. 

A proper understanding of the benefits and risks, along with policies supporting safe and inclusive sports, will ensure that exercise truly brings health benefits to all individuals. 

“There is still much work to be done in promoting awareness campaigns about the importance of proper exercise and the risks of excessive exercise without making people afraid or hesitant to engage in physical activity,” she remarked.

Professor Agustiningsih noted the increasing efforts by the government, academics, and various community groups to promote exercise. 

Additionally, she observed the public’s growing enthusiasm for participating in and attending various sports-related events. This shows that society is becoming more aware of and attentive to the health benefits of exercise. 

Moreover, on social media, there are also groups of people who are highly enthusiastic about exercising and regularly share their activities online. 

On the other hand, reports of accidents and even deaths during exercise have surfaced, sparking various comments, both scientific and non-scientific. 

“We need to understand and address the other side of exercise, which requires careful attention to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from exercise as one of the pillars of health,” she said.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Professor: Physical Activity Can Prevent and Treat Chronic Diseases pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

On Tuesday (Jan. 21), Professor Murti delivered a speech in front of an audience that filled the Senate Hall of the UGM Central Office titled “The Importance, Challenges, and Solutions to Horticulture Problems through an Effective Plant Breeding Program.”

Professor Murti explained that horticultural plants play a significant role in providing healthy food, vitamins, and minerals and in recreational activities for the community. 

They also contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, beauty, therapy and medicine, recreation, genetic diversity, labor absorption, and the economy.

Achieving food security through horticultural production often faces challenges such as pest attacks, low productivity, poor quality, rapid spoilage, long supply chains, changing consumer preferences, and a decrease in land area. 

Professor Murti argued that one way to improve production and quality is by using superior varieties with high productivity and quality that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. 

“Efforts to produce superior varieties can be carried out through conventional breeding methods combined with the latest methods, such as genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and genome editing,” he added.

Challenges also arise from consumers who want sweeter tastes and more attractive colors, such as mangoes with blushing skins and low fiber, seedless watermelons, medium-sized and sweet papayas, and fruits with high antioxidants. 

New and distinctive colors, tastes, and textures will continue to attract consumer interest and create international market opportunities. 

“Therefore, plant breeders must be precise in understanding the characteristics of the products according to the targeted market segment,” he said.

Plant breeding activities must also consider consumer preferences, product purposes, and supply chain actors according to their market segments.

Breeders must be observant in determining the key characteristics of the products they will produce without neglecting other quality standards.

“Quality improvement in line with market demands can be done through plant breeding by utilizing appropriate genetic resources,” he explained.

Professor Murti believes that horticultural farming is more intensive than food crops, making horticultural farmers risk-takers. For instance, farmers exert considerable effort, such as using large amounts of pesticides to control pests to ensure high-quality harvests. 

However, increased pesticide use results in pest resistance, leading to the emergence of new biotypes and environmental pollution. 

The growth of global trade in planting materials and fresh produce also increases the risk of foreign pests and pathogens entering and spreading in new environments.

“There needs to be synergy across scientific fields to accelerate plant breeding efforts, resulting in more hybrid varieties, lower plant breeding and hybrid seed production costs, increased farmer income, and higher national horticultural production that will meet demand, as well as faster solutions to agricultural issues related to breeding,” concluded the new professor.

With Professor Murti’s appointment, the Chair of the UGM Board of Professors, Professor M. Baiquni, stated that the new professor became one of 524 active professors at UGM and one of 30 active professors from the 62 professors ever owned by the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

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Artikel New UGM Professor Highlights Plant Breeding Technology as Key to Boosting Agricultural Production pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Minister of Forestry of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni, stated this following his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. 

The proposal has sparked various reactions from the public. Experts at UGM collectively recommended that, as of now, there is no urgency for the government to open new land massively, even though the policy aims to increase food availability. 

Instead, they urged the government to improve the current agricultural system, which is considered suboptimal.

These views emerged during the Pemikiran Bulaksumur seminar organized by the UGM Board of Professors, titled “Debate, Dilemmas, and Solutions for the 20 Million Hectares of Forest for Food Policy,” on Thursday (Jan. 16).

Professor Subejo, an agricultural socio-economic policy observer, noted that many factors affect the stability of food production, which is disrupted by inefficient fertilizer use, limited agricultural equipment, and insufficient agricultural irrigation.

Moreover, the agricultural sector faces the challenge of an aging farmer population, with few young people interested in farming. 

“The government’s task is to encourage young Indonesians to enter the agricultural sector for regeneration,” he explained.

Additionally, Professor Subejo stated that the competency level of human resources in the farming sector remains low, as most farmers have only completed elementary school education. 

“All these factors must be addressed and managed properly, as they will significantly impact Indonesia’s future food security,” he said.

The plan to convert 20 million hectares of land into energy sources is also considered unnecessary at present. The current palm oil forests can still meet the demand for palm oil or bioethanol-based energy.

Furthermore, forest land clearing brings numerous side effects, and within the framework of sustainable development, it is crucial to consider the balance of biodiversity and food availability.

Professor Widiyatno from the UGM Faculty of Forestry stated that the government does not need to open new land by damaging forests but can instead utilize already unproductive or degraded forest land. 

Moreover, the government has committed to reducing carbon emissions to less than 198.27 million tons by 2025. 

“Land clearing would be more appropriate if it utilizes degraded forests, making them productive and beneficial for both food and the environment,” he emphasized.

Regarding the current food project proposed by the government, Professor Widiyatno acknowledged that similar programs have existed since colonial times and have the potential to create traumatic vulnerability. 

Land clearing impacts environmental balance and the social conditions of affected communities. Indigenous peoples living near forests, for instance, have often been given false promises and hope by the government. Various methods are used to acquire their land. 

“Ultimately, this only causes internal conflicts within communities due to land control politics. Their land is taken, but their welfare is not improved,” he said.

UGM anthropologist Dr. Laksmi Adriani Savitri urged the government to reassess the plan to open 20 million hectares of forest to avoid potential conflicts with Indigenous peoples or communities living around the forest. 

“Our society wants to be invited to sit down and talk as equals,” she stated.

Author: Jelita Agustine

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Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

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Artikel UGM Experts Urge Government to Reassess Plan to Open 20 Million Hectares of Land pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The late professor at UGM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UGM) passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 05:00 WIB.

Before being laid to rest at the UGM Family Cemetery in Sawitsari, Professor Mangkoewidjojo’s body was placed in Balairung UGM on Wednesday (Jan. 15). 

Professor M. Baiquni, chair of UGM’s Board of Professors, led the farewell ceremony, which was attended by the UGM academic community.

“On behalf of the UGM community, I extend my deepest condolences for the passing of Professor Soesanto Mangkoewidjojo. May Allah grant him the best place and all his good deeds in this world be accepted,” Professor Baiquni said in his opening remarks.

The board chair noted that Professor Mangkoewidjojo was stationed in the Department of Clinical Pathology at FKH UGM. 

He was appointed a professor after delivering his inaugural speech, titled “Environmental Pollution: A Challenge for Pathologists,” at UGM’s Open Senate Meeting on Jan. 19, 1985, or 40 years ago.

In that speech, Professor Baiquni continued, Professor Mangkoewidjojo discussed the impact of environmental pollution on various living organisms and the role of pathologists in addressing these issues. His speech highlighted the many materials and substances that pollute the environment. 

“He also identified various pollutants and their toxicopathological aspects,” he explained.

Professor Baiquni expressed his hope that the works of the late Professor Mangkoewidjojo would pave the way for the future development of both knowledge and acts of worship. 

He also hoped that younger generations would follow his example, expand upon his knowledge, and continue his work in the future. 

“We also pray that the family he leaves behind will be granted patience, strength, and acceptance. For indeed, Allah has the ultimate right over all His creations, and may the prayers we offer today be accepted by Him,” he said.

“I also extend my gratitude to all those present—fellow members of the UGM community—for taking the time to attend this final tribute to Professor Mangkoewidjojo before he is laid to rest at the UGM Family Cemetery in Sawitsari.”

The Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FKH UGM, Dr. Agung Budiyanto, read a biography that noted Professor Mangkoewidjojo was born in Klaten on Apr. 5, 1933. 

He completed his diploma and undergraduate degrees in Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada and continued his professional veterinary education. 

He earned his Master’s in Veterinary Science from the University of Minnesota and his Doctorate in Veterinary Science from Michigan State University, USA.

Throughout his career, Professor Mangkoewidjojo held various positions, including Head of the Veterinary Medicine Department, Head of the Veterinary Medicinal Chemistry Division, Head of the Veterinary Public Health Division, Vice Dean I, Vice Dean II, and served as Dean of FKH UGM for two terms.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel Professor Soesanto Mangkoewidjojo of UGM Passed Away pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The three newly installed professors are Professor Sri Kuswandari, Professor Heni Susilowati, and Professor Dewi Agustina.

Professor Dewi Agustina, inaugurated in geriatric oral diseases, delivered a speech titled “Improving Oral Health to Achieve Optimal Quality of Life for the Elderly.” 

According to Professor Agustina, a noticeable global population increase, including in Indonesia, leads to a growing number of elderly individuals. 

This creates unique challenges in healthcare, including oral health. 

“Oral health has not yet become a priority, resulting in deteriorating oral health and function as people age. This is also influenced by the concept of ageism, commonly accepted by the elderly,” she said.

Ageism reflects the attitude of elderly individuals who accept their deteriorating oral condition as natural and inevitable, seeing it as part of aging rather than a problem. This causes the elderly to feel less motivated to improve their oral condition. 

“Deteriorating oral health in the elderly is not merely due to aging but is also the result of accumulated oral diseases that have long been neglected,” she explained.

Professor Agustina also mentioned that many systemic diseases or their treatments manifest in the oral cavity and, conversely, oral diseases can affect the management of systemic diseases, even increasing the risk of systemic illness. 

“This connection is increasingly evident in elderly care, as most elderly individuals have compromised medical conditions,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Professor Susilowati, inaugurated in the field of oral microbiology and immunology, delivered a speech titled “The Role of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Oral Cavity Infections.” 

In her presentation, Professor Susilowati emphasized the importance of comprehensive oral health care for all children through occlusal guidance.

Occlusal guidance involves guiding the eruption and development of teeth from the milk teeth phase through the mixed and permanent phases to achieve stable, functional, and aesthetically acceptable permanent teeth.

Orthodontic treatment results in children will not be stable if bad oral habits are not stopped. Therefore, dentists need to introduce comprehensive dental care concepts to children.

Cooperation between dentists, maternal and child healthcare providers, maternity hospitals, and midwives is essential.

Early intervention is needed to prevent malocclusion or abnormal teeth and jaw alignment, even from birth. Physiological stimulation is crucial to supporting the normal growth of the craniofacial complex. 

“Recognizing and stopping children’s bad oral habits early on will prevent the development of malocclusion,” she explained.

Professor in pediatric dentistry Sri Kuswandari delivered a speech titled “Improving Oral Health to Achieve Optimal Quality of Life for the Elderly.” 

According to her, dry mouth, a condition caused by reduced saliva production, commonly occurs in the elderly and is often a side effect of uncontrolled systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and regular medication use, such as antihypertensives. 

“Dry mouth makes the elderly more prone to oral infections such as gum disease and cavities due to poor oral hygiene,” she explained.

According to Professor Kuswandari, gum disease and cavities can cause the elderly to experience pain in their teeth and mouth, eating difficulties, and a loss of confidence, ultimately lowering their quality of life. 

“In healthcare, quality of life is generally assessed based on overall health, while oral health is often overlooked,” she added.

She presented research conducted at elderly health centers in Yogyakarta, which showed that around 70% of the elderly have very low oral health-related quality of life. Poor oral health is the result of inadequate oral care, which makes the mouth unable to fulfill its functions.

Professor Kuswandari shared tips for the elderly to improve their oral health and achieve optimal quality of life, including maintaining oral hygiene, managing diagnosed systemic diseases, seeking further examinations if abnormal symptoms or signs arise, quitting smoking, stopping mouth breathing, and managing psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. 

“Equally important is staying hydrated with at least 1.5 liters of water per day, having regular dental check-ups every six months, and never neglecting oral health,” she concluded.

Authors: Kezia Dwina Nathania and Tiefany Ruwaida Nasukha

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Installs Three Professors from Faculty of Dentistry pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.