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| A husband and wife managed to achieve the highest degree in academics (Photo: Lintang Humas). |
Being appointed as a full professor at the same time as one's spouse is the dream of many people. This is what happened at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) on March 9th. A married couple succeeded in attaining the highest academic title; they are Prof. Dr. Ir. Aris Winaya, M.M., M.Si., IPU, ASEAN Eng. and Prof. Dr. Ir. Maftuchah, M.P. Both have been serving at the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (FPP) UMM and have interesting research focuses in their respective fields.
However, the day of their inauguration was still overshadowed by sorrow, as Maftuchah had passed away a few weeks earlier. Thus, Aris, who is also the Dean of FPP UMM, was inaugurated alone and without his wife. Maftuchah was posthumously awarded and inaugurated as a full professor. Moreover, thanks to AI technology, Maftuchah was also 'present' and her oration was delivered before the guests
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In his presentation, Aris explained the application of DNA technology in strengthening the conservation strategy of the genetic resources of livestock in Indonesia. He continued that several countries committed to maintaining the genetic potential of local livestock will continue to monitor the trends in the field of animal husbandry. On the other hand, molecular genetics techniques are expected to have a significant impact in the future. For example, DNA-based tests for genes that influence qualitative traits that are difficult to measure currently, such as meat quality or disease resistance
"It will also provide a pathway for possible advances in biological evolution, animal breeding, and animal models for human diseases. For example, genomic selection should double the genetic gains in the dairy industry. However, there are challenges. Such as the revolution in the field of animal breeding as tools and techniques different from conventional breeding so far," he added
Regarding Indonesian livestock, Aris is confident that studies on the diversity of Indonesian local cattle breeds based on DNA will reflect their genetic variation essentially. Moreover, currently, the genetic resources of native Indonesian cattle are declining sharply. Therefore, studying the diversity of Indonesian native cattle breeds becomes increasingly important. "Conservation of the genetic diversity of local livestock should be a mandatory program to implement," he emphasized
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In addition to presenting interesting scientific speeches, the inauguration ceremony also narrated how Aris and Maftuchah supported each other to achieve the title of full professor. Aris recounted the story of 1994 when he and his wife got married. Then the long wait for nine years to have children. Even Maftuchah's struggle to complete her studies in Bogor while pregnant and Aris's efforts to commute between Malang and Bogor to accompany his wife while fulfilling his duties as a lecturer at UMM
On the other hand, the scientific speech that Maftuchah had prepared was also successfully delivered through AI technology. Her speech discussed the development of jatropha curcas linn cultivation technology to support the availability of biodiesel fuel sources. Jatropha plants have a long history, especially their use as biofuel. During the Japanese occupation, the seeds of the jatropha plant could be utilized as a source of illumination fuel or fuel oil
"However, until now, the development of jatropha cultivation is still not significant, even tends to not be prioritized, especially regarding its use as an energy source," she explained
According to her speech, jatropha cultivation needs to be encouraged in marginal areas. If planted on productive land, it will compete with food crops, thus lowering its economic value and discouraging farmers from cultivating jatropha plants. Education about the use of jatropha fruit seeds for biodiesel fuel should also continue, followed by the development of its technology, especially in its use as biofuel. (wil/fajr)
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