On Wednesday (12/2/2025), FT UNS held a coordination meeting with the Bureau of Infrastructure and Natural Resources of Central Java. The Department of Environment and Forestry and the Transition Team of the newly elected Governor also participated. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom to discuss the water hyacinth management program.

Water Hyacinth as a Key Challenge

The Dean of FT UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Wahyudi Sutopo, S.T., M.Si., IPU, highlighted that water hyacinth is a major weed. It disrupts the primary function of Rawa Pening, a key area for hydroelectric power generation. “Water hyacinth is a weed that significantly hinders the function of Rawa Pening as a Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA),” he explained.

Turning Waste into Resource

Prof. Wahyudi also mentioned the potential of water hyacinth to be developed into useful products. These include briquettes, paving blocks, and furniture. Briquettes made from water hyacinth can serve as an alternative solid fuel. They provide an energy source for industries like cement production. Additionally, the fibers from the weed can strengthen paving blocks, making them more durable.

“FT UNS will prepare an initial design, provide training, and guide local communities. We will also coordinate with the lake management unit, SISDA BBWS Pemali-Juana,” Prof. Wahyudi added. He also noted that FT UNS has previously managed water hyacinth at Cengklik Reservoir to create briquettes.

Community Empowerment Through Green Infrastructure

Dr. Andina Elok Puri Maharani is a Public Policy Analyst from UNS and a member of the Transition Team. She emphasized the program’s potential for community empowerment. “One of the key initiatives of the newly elected Governor is green infrastructure. Managing water hyacinth directly supports this program and has a positive impact on local communities,” she stated.

Eni Lestari, Head of the Bureau of Infrastructure and Natural Resources of Central Java, echoed this sentiment. She stressed the importance of community empowerment and explained how the water hyacinth management program contributes to these efforts.

Strengthening Collaboration for Regional Development

UNS continues to uphold its motto, Mangesthi Luhur Ambangun Nagara (striving for noble goals in building the nation). By strengthening its collaboration with the Provincial Government, UNS reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the region’s sustainable development.

The Provincial Government has actively engaged with universities in Central Java. This was evident in a recent forum between the Governor and local rectors. This forum resulted in an agreement for collaboration on regional development projects. The education, research, and community service activities conducted by universities should align with the Provincial Government’s goals. This alignment will create mutual benefits for both parties.

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“With great pride, I congratulate my fellow professors on their inauguration. Being a professor is not just the highest academic achievement. It also carries a great responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation,” Prof. Hartono stated in his remarks.

Commitment to Research and Innovation

He highlighted the importance of dedication in producing groundbreaking research and solutions to societal challenges. “I hope the newly inaugurated professors will play a strategic role in tackling both national and global issues. Their expertise is a valuable asset in advancing UNS’s vision of academic excellence and sustainable development,” he added.

Today, universities must go beyond producing skilled graduates. They must serve as innovation hubs and drive impactful research. Prof. Hartono reaffirmed UNS’s commitment to this vision.

“In this era, universities must focus on more than just producing quality graduates. They must also serve as hubs of innovation. These newly appointed professors bring valuable expertise that supports UNS’s vision as a state university committed to sustainable development. Therefore, their contributions will help strengthen the university’s reputation both nationally and internationally. Let us work together to make UNS a campus that continuously inspires and provides solutions,” Prof. Hartono concluded.

List of Newly Inaugurated Professors

The UNS Rector officially inaugurated ten professors, each specializing in different fields of study:

1. Prof. Dr. Ir. Budi Santoso, S.T., M.T. – Professor of Energy Conversion Engineering Technology, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Two-Phase Flow Fluid System in Energy Conversion Engineering Technology.” He is the 32nd professor of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) and the 332nd professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Eko Arief Sudaryono, M.Si., A.k. – Professor of Taxation, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Tax Avoidance and Ethics: Addressing Moral Challenges in the Modern Taxation System.” He is the 24th professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the 333rd professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. T. Ir. Endah Retno Dyartanti, M.T. – Professor of Electrochemical Process Technology – Membrane Technology, presenting an inaugural speech titled “Natural Polymer-Based Separator Membrane for Enhancing Battery Capacity and Safety Toward Indonesia’s Battery Industry Independence.” She is the 33rd professor of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) and the 334th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Erlyna Wida Riptanti, S.P., M.P. – Professor of Food Agribusiness, presenting an inaugural speech titled “Development of the ‘Porang’ (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Industry for the Global Market.” She is the 49th professor of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) and the 335th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Fahru Nurosyid, S.Si., M.Si. – Professor of Organic Solar Cell Material Physics, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Development of Natural Materials for Solar Cell Innovation as a Low-Carbon Energy Source.” He is the 35th professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and the 336th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Drs. Sugiyanto, M.Si. – Professor of Geography Learning Models, presenting an inaugural speech titled “Transformation of Geography Learning Approaches: Geo-Literacy-Based Towards Geo-Capabilities.” He is the 89th professor of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the 337th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, dr., Sp.PK(K), Ph.D. – Professor of Clinical Immunology, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Community-Based Clinical Immunology: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Anticipation.” He is the 50th professor of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the 338th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Ir. Lobes Herdiman, M.T. – Professor of Biomechanics and Work Physiology, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Biomechanics-Based Assistive Devices: A Sustainable Development Strategy for the Assistive Technology Industry.” He is the 34th professor of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) and the 339th professor at UNS.

• Prof. Dr. Ir. Cahyono Ikhsan, S.T., M.T. – Professor of Water Resources Engineering – River Technology, presenting an inaugural speech titled “Review of River Performance Based on Flow Characteristics.” He is the 35th professor of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) and the 340th professor at UNS.

1. Prof. Burhanudin Harahap, S.H., M.H., Ph.D. – Professor of Islamic Law, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Enhancing the Role of Islamic Law as a Living Law in People’s Economic Development.” He is the 14th professor of the Faculty of Law (FH) and the 341st professor at UNS.

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