UNS – Dr. Ir. Andi Amran Sulaiman, M.P., the Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia, delivered a heartfelt scientific oration. The speech was part of the 49th Dies Natalis celebration of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. He received the Parasamya Anugraha Dharma Krida Upa Bogha award. He also shared emotional memories of his mother’s influence on his life and career.
A Mother’s Words That Shaped a Future Leader
During his speech, Dr. Andi Amran Sulaiman expressed deep gratitude and recalled his humble beginnings.
“I was born into poverty and raised in hardship,” he shared emotionally at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS, on Tuesday (11/3/2025). “But my mother always said, ‘Son, you will become a great person. You will change our fate.’ Her words still echo in my heart.”
Growing up in a rural village, he was one of 12 siblings. His father, a low-ranking soldier, struggled to provide for the family. To survive, they often searched for food in the forest.
“Many of you were born on spring beds, but I was born under a tree. I remember coming home from school, exhausted and hungry, only to find no food available. So, we scavenged for guavas and sweet potatoes in the forest,” he recalled.
The Core Values of Honesty and Hard Work
Despite financial struggles, his parents instilled in him strong values of integrity and perseverance.
“My parents always taught me to be honest and work hard. ‘Never take what isn’t yours,’ my mother would say. I hold on to that lesson to this day,” he stated.
His mother’s unwavering faith in his future was another guiding force. She always told him he would become a minister, even when it seemed impossible. Years later, her words became reality.
“I still remember her saying, ‘Son, you will be a minister one day.’ Deep down, I doubted it, but I never contradicted her. Then, one day, President Jokowi heard about a hardworking young man. That’s how I became part of the 2014 Cabinet,” he revealed.
The Power of a Mother’s Blessing
During his speech, Dr. Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of cherishing and respecting parents, especially mothers.
“If you want to see God smile, make your mother smile. A mother plays a crucial role in shaping our journey. If you have ever hurt your mother, don’t expect success. I wouldn’t be here today without her,” he asserted.
A Prestigious Recognition for Agricultural Contributions
The Parasamya Anugraha Dharma Krida Upa Bogha award is a recognition of his remarkable contributions to Indonesia’s agricultural sector. However, he sees it as more than just an achievement—it is a responsibility.
“I keep thinking about how I will be held accountable for this, both in this world and in the afterlife. This award is not just for me, but for the people of Indonesia,” he concluded.
Based on UNS Rector’s Decree Number 851/UN27/HK.02/2025, UNS granted the award to Dr. Andi Amran Sulaiman. The honor recognized his leadership, integrity, and achievements in improving Indonesia’s agricultural production index. “We selected him for this award because he is a role model. His contributions to the agricultural sector have significantly improved Indonesia’s production index,” the UNS Rector stated.
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