UNS – Dr. Chatarina Muliana, S.H., S.E., M.H., the Acting Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, planted a Kalpataru tree in the UNS Lake Area on Thursday (3/7/2024). This was followed by 48 new UNS professors planting various rare trees in their respective faculties. The planting of these rare trees adds to the excitement of UNS’s 48th Dies Natalis, which falls on March 11, 2024.
The event began with remarks from the Chairperson of the UNS Professor Council (DP), Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D. According to him, the planting of rare trees in conjunction with UNS’s 48th Dies Natalis is particularly special this time because there are 48 new UNS professors participating. In addition, the DP of UNS prepared a special tree to be planted by Dr. Chatarina Muliana, the Acting Rector of UNS.
“Today is special, as we have 48 professors who will plant (rare trees). This is an accumulation of several years we have faced with the Covid-19 pandemic situation, so we gather now,” Prof. Suranto explained.
The UNS Professor Council prepared a Kalpataru tree to be planted by Dr. Chatarina Muliana. The Kalpataru tree, scientifically known as Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz, is also known as the tree of peace. Its planting is hoped to bring peace to UNS.
“This (Kalpataru tree) is a tree of peace. Let’s hope for more peace. Let’s have good relations,” Prof. Suranto said.
Prof. Suranto also explained the reason behind planting the rare trees in each faculty’s area. The faculty environment is close to where the professors are active, making it easier for them to care for the rare trees that have been planted.
The Acting Rector of UNS, Dr. Chatarina Muliana, S.H., S.E., M.H., in her remarks, appreciated the planting of rare trees by new professors initiated by the UNS Professor Council. She viewed the planting of trees by new professors, especially rare trees, as a very positive thing. Additionally, this is also in line with keeping the campus green and environmentally friendly.
“The planting of rare trees, especially those that are characteristic of Indonesia, is our effort to participate in preserving Indonesia’s natural wealth,” Dr. Chatarina said.
This agenda is a tradition for enlivening UNS’s anniversary every year. Philosophically, the planting of trees by new professors can be interpreted as a commitment to continue their work in imparting knowledge. This is done by the academic community through teaching students, research that can be applied, and community service.
“I believe that the achievement of becoming a professor is not the ultimate goal, but rather an interim target to become more productive and innovative in carrying out the three pillars of higher education,” she added.
Dr. Chatarina also expressed her happiness and pride that this year, the planting of trees by new professors was carried out in each faculty. This indicates that the addition of new professors at UNS in the last year has been extraordinary. She hopes that more and more professors will emerge at UNS who are not just holding the title of professor but are also scholars whose expertise is recognized nationally and internationally. These professors are expected to provide various benefits in community and national life. Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti