Indonesia
Universitas Islam Malang (Unisma) continues to strengthen its academic standing with the addition of two distinguished full professors. They are Prof. Dr. Dyah Werdiningsih, M.Pd, in the field of Indonesian Language and Literature Education, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Mahayu Woro Lestari, MP, an expert in Horticulture at the Faculty of Agriculture. Both will be officially inaugurated by the Rector of Unisma, Prof. Dr. Maskuri, M.Si, on Wednesday (12/20) at the Postgraduate Building.
Prof. Dr. Dyah Werdiningsih, M.Pd, emphasized that every lecturer has an equal opportunity to become a Full Professor. This requires great perseverance and responsibility, especially in carrying out the duties of the Tridharma of Higher Education.
“This rank of Full Professor is the result of perseverance and responsibility in carrying out the duties of the Tridharma of Higher Education. All lecturers have the same opportunity,” she said.
At today’s Full Professor Inauguration ceremony, Prof. Dyah will deliver an academic address titled “Loving the Earth Through Indonesian Language and Literature (BSI) Education with an Ecological Literacy Perspective.”
“This title reflects my perspective as a lifelong learner based on the results of innovative BSI learning research,” she said.
She hopes her lecture will enhance understanding and awareness of the importance of education in supporting environmental conservation efforts through Indonesian Language and Literature education, as well as encourage comprehensive efforts to reduce risks to the sustainability of global ecosystems and human life.
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“Environmental education is very important. Many verses in the Quran remind us not to destroy the environment. And Allah emphasizes that the destruction occurring on Earth is caused by human actions. Therefore, environmental education in schools is an expression of our gratitude and obedience to Allah’s commands,” he concluded.
A similar message was conveyed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Mahayu Woro Lestari, MP, through her research, which successfully identified a new vegetable species named the Junggul plant. This plant, which is generally considered a weed by most people, especially in urban areas, actually has high nutritional value.
“Through my creative research, I aim to educate the public that this plant, which is often seen as a nuisance, can actually be utilized and contains important nutrients,” she explained.
The Junggul plant is easily found in rural areas, growing along rice field embankments, fields, gardens, or roadside. Although considered a weed and often ignored, Prof. Woro hopes her research findings will enhance public understanding of this plant’s benefits.
“Hopefully, the public will come to appreciate the biodiversity around them, including consuming Junggul vegetables, which are rich in Vitamins A, B, and D,” she added.
In the interview, Prof. Woro encouraged young Unisma lecturers to actively conduct research to advance their academic careers, attain the rank of Full Professor, and ultimately, improve Unisma’s institutional performance.
“Even though I’m no longer young, I still have the drive to climb the academic ranks to become a Full Professor. Especially for young lecturers, they can definitely do it,” he emphasized.
