UNS — In commemoration of its 50th Dies Natalis, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta conferred the 2026 UNS Award upon prominent economist and national development figure, Prof. H. Emil Salim, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. The award was presented during the Open Session of the Academic Senate for the 50th Dies Natalis celebration on Wednesday (11/3/2026) at the Auditorium of G.P.H. Haryo Mataram, UNS.
Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., stated that every Dies Natalis celebration serves as an occasion for UNS to honor distinguished national figures who have made significant contributions in specific fields. The theme of the 50th Dies Natalis in 2026 is “Five Decades of Dedication to the Nation: A Foundation for Accelerating Impactful and Sustainable Achievements.”
In line with this theme, UNS presented the highest institutional honor, PARASAMYA ANUGRAHA WIDYATAMA TARU TIRTA BAWANA, to Prof. Emil Salim.
“PARASAMYA ANUGRAHA WIDYATAMA TARU TIRTA BAWANA is the highest award granted by UNS for extraordinary integrity, achievement, leadership, and advancement in the field of environmental preservation,” explained Prof. Hartono.
Prof. Emil Salim is widely recognized as an exemplary figure with exceptional integrity, achievements, pioneering contributions, and long-standing dedication to environmental conservation.
“We hope that his lifelong dedication and tireless efforts in environmental preservation will serve as an inspiration and role model for all of us. This award also reflects UNS’ commitment to sustainable development,” Prof. Hartono added.
He further explained that the purpose of the UNS Award is to express appreciation for national figures who have consistently contributed to environmental sustainability and promoted sustainable development throughout their lives. The award also represents UNS’ commitment as a university that continuously integrates sustainability values into education, research, and community service.
Furthermore, the UNS Award is expected to accelerate UNS’ contribution to strengthening national independence while reinforcing its identity as a Legal Entity State University (PTN-BH) that delivers meaningful and sustainable innovation for society. The award also aims to foster solidarity and a sense of belonging among the academic community while strengthening institutional governance transformation as a foundation for future achievements and impactful contributions.
The award was officially presented by the Rector of UNS to Prof. Emil Salim’s daughter, Amelia Salim. Unable to attend in person, Prof. Emil Salim delivered his message through a recorded video, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources.
“We must preserve natural resources, especially in Indonesia, which has a tropical climate and extraordinary natural wealth that provides medicinal benefits, food resources, and many advantages not only for Indonesians but for all humankind,” he stated.
According to various sources, Prof. Emil Salim is an Indonesian economist and politician born on June 8, 1930. He is widely known as an intellectual figure who has played a major role in environmental affairs and once served as the State Minister for Population and Environment.
Prof. Emil Salim is also one of the few Indonesian figures with a strong international presence in environmental advocacy. He received The Leader for the Living Planet Award from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations. In 2006, he was also honored with the prestigious Blue Planet Prize from The Asahi Glass Foundation.
In 1994, after completing his term as Minister of State for Population and Environment, Prof. Emil Salim and his colleagues established the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (KEHATI), a non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation.
Prof. Emil Salim is recognized as one of Indonesia’s longest-serving ministers and one of the few national figures who have remained active across three different political eras. He has held numerous strategic government positions, including Minister of Administrative Reform and Deputy Head of Bappenas (1971–1973), Minister of Transportation (1973–1978), Minister of State for Population and Environment (1978–1983), and Minister of State for Development Supervision and Environment (1983–1993).
Through this recognition, UNS reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of impactful leadership for future generations.
HUMAS UNS
