UNS – The Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., officiated the inauguration of 10 new professors. UNS hosted the event at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium on Tuesday (11/2/2025). The Open Senate Meeting of UNS included this inauguration as a key agenda. Moreover, with 29 professors receiving their appointments, UNS celebrates this achievement as a special gift leading up to its 49th Dies Natalis.
In his speech, Prof. Hartono emphasized that the inauguration was a historic and proud moment. He stated that the title of Professor is the highest academic achievement. Neverthless, it also comes with a significant responsibility. Professors must make tangible contributions to society, the nation, and the country.
“The journey towards this inauguration has not been easy. It is the result of hard work, dedication, and commitment to producing the best scientific works in their respective fields,” Prof. Hartono said.
Professors’ Role in Advancing Research and National Development
Furthermore, he highlighted that professors play a strategic role in addressing national challenges. Their expertise enables them to develop solutions for various societal issues and contribute to national development.
“As directed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, universities today serve as centers for innovation and research. They also play a role in providing solutions to global challenges. The expertise of our professors is a valuable asset for UNS in fulfilling its mission as a university that contributes to national development,” he added.
This professor’s inauguration is tangible proof that UNS continues to strive for academic and research excellence across various disciplines. With the growing number of professors, UNS aims to further strengthen its reputation both nationally and internationally.
List of Newly Inaugurated Professors
The UNS Rector officially inaugurated ten professors, each specializing in different fields of study:
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Minar Ferichani, M.P. – Professor of Agricultural Economics, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Economic Review of the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) Method as a Solution for Food Self-Sufficiency in Indonesia.” She is the 50th professor of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) and the 342nd professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Emmy Latifah, S.H., M.H. – Professor of International Trade Law, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Artificial Intelligence and International Trade: A New Landscape Requiring Further Regulation.” She is the 15th professor of the Faculty of Law (FH) and the 343rd professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dra. Prahastiwi Utari, M.Si., Ph.D. – Professor of Communication Theory, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Beyond Human Communication: Artificial Intelligence in the Perspective of Communication Theory.” She is the 9th professor of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) and the 344th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Eng. Risa Suryana, S.Si., M.Si. – Professor of Electronic Material Physics, delivering an inaugural speech titled “The Role of Surface Modification in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.” He is the 36th professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and the 345th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Sri Yamtinah, M.Pd. – Professor of Chemistry Evaluation and Learning, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Technology-Based Assessment in Chemistry Learning: Transforming Towards More Responsive and Adaptive Education.” She is the 90th professor of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 346th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Supriyono, M.Si. – Professor of Conservation Economics, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Stakeholder Conservation Awareness as the Foundation for Sustainable Development Planning.” He is the 25th professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the 347th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Agus Efendi, M.Pd. – Professor of Educational Technology, delivering an inaugural speech titled “The Role of Immersive Learning in Enhancing Technology-Centric Education in the New Society 5.0 Era.” He is the 91st professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 348th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Techn. Dewi Wisnu Wardani, S.Kom., M.S. – Professor of Semantic Web, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Knowledge Base and Symbolic Artificial Intelligence for Innovation in Digital Transformation.” She is the 3rd professor at the Faculty of Information Technology and Data Science (FATISDA) and the 349th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Dr. Jaka Suryana, M.Si. – Professor of Soil and Water Conservation, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Conservation Farming Systems as the Key to Sustainable Agriculture Development in Upper Watershed Areas.” He is the 51st professor at the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) and the 350th professor at UNS.
- Prof. Ofita Purwani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. – Professor of Peri-urban/Urban-Rural Development, delivering an inaugural speech titled “City, Power, and Royal Agency.” She is the 36th professor at the Faculty of Engineering (FT) and the 351st professor at UNS.
The leadership of UNS, the Academic Senate, and the Board of Professors attended the inauguration ceremony. In addition, family members and colleagues of the newly appointed professors also participated in the event. Additionally, UNS students and academicians added to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
With the appointment of new professors, UNS now reaffirms its commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing societal challenges. As a result, this important step will further strengthen UNS’s position as a leading institution of higher education. Ultimately, it will make UNS more globally competitive.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
