UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has appointed Professor Dr. Ir. Cahyono Ikhsan, S.T., M.T., as a Professor of River Technology. He also serves in the field of Water Resources Engineering. He delivered his inaugural speech, titled “Performance Review of Rivers Based on Flow Characteristics”, on Monday (10/2/2025). The event took place during the UNS Academic Senate’s Open Session at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium.
Prof. Cahyono is now the 35th professor at the Faculty of Engineering and the 340th at UNS. His research focuses on river technology and water resource engineering.
The Importance of River Technology Research
In his speech, Prof. Cahyono emphasized that river characteristics vary due to several factors. These include water discharge, riverbed slope, aggradation, degradation, erosion, and sedimentation. These elements significantly impact flood control and water sustainability.
“Rivers play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and controlling floods. Their flow characteristics directly influence ecological balance,” Prof. Cahyono stated.
When a river exceeds its flow capacity, it causes flooding that damages residential areas. Floodwaters transport sediment particles, which build up in certain sections and erode riverbanks and bridge foundations in others. As a result, infrastructure may collapse.
Challenges in River Technology
According to Prof. Cahyono, high flow velocity accelerates riverbed degradation. Illegal sand mining further worsens the situation by destabilizing river structures. Without proper assessment, river conditions will continue to deteriorate.
“To prevent further damage, river assessments are essential. These evaluations serve as the foundation for planning improvements and maintenance priorities. Levee construction and other preventive measures are crucial,” he added.
Prof. Cahyono also stressed the need for morphological studies and river performance assessments. These studies will help formulate recommendations for restoring damaged rivers.
Significant Research Contributions
Over the past 10 years, Prof. Cahyono and his research team have conducted extensive studies in three phases. Their findings have contributed to numerous national and international scientific publications.
This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation”. Clean and well-maintained rivers also support SDG number 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, particularly in disaster risk management and flood control.
Through his work, Prof. Cahyono continues to advance the science of river rehabilitation. His efforts help ensure that water resources remain sustainable for future generations.
HUMAS UNS
Reporter: Annisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
