UNAIR NEWS – An Agriculture Merit medal with the rank of Chevalier (Knight) was given by the French Ambassador to Indonesia to the Professor of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. I Komang Wiarsa Sardjana drh. The award was given for the dedication of Prof. Komang in establishing a partnership between Indonesia and France.
French Ambassador to Indonesia Olivier Chambard gave the award in person at Jayanata Building, Tegalsari, Surabaya City, Wednesday evening, March 24, 2021.
French Ambassador to Indonesia Olivier Chambard said the award was given in accordance with the professional field and various collaborative activities developed by Prof. Komang. This collaborative activity involves UNAIR, East Java Province, and the Government of Indonesia, in the field of science and technology between France and Indonesia.
“On this day I am very happy and proud on behalf of the French Republic, respecting the career and firm commitment of Prof. Komang in serving the world of Francophonie, the friendship between France and Indonesia, and the wider society in advancing the scientific field,” said Olivier.
The Ambassador said that for decades Prof. Komang has been involved in the City of Surabaya and East Java Province’s partnership with France, both at the scientific, cultural and economic levels, as a French speaking person who is an expert in public policy.
For example, Prof. Komang participated in seminars and trainings on public transport policy at the University of Burgundy in 2008, solid waste treatment at Chambery in 2010, management of the dairy chain in Nantes in 2011.
Prof. Komang also represented the city of Surabaya at the Second International Maritime Innovation Symposium at Brest in 2014. Prof. Komang takes part in expertise missions, such as when meeting with the manager of the Vulcania Park in Auvergne to develop an ecotourism and volcanology project in East Java.
Pioneer of First Veterinary Specialist Program
Most recently, Prof. Komang started a Veterinary Specialist Education Program at UNAIR in collaboration with Oniris, a higher education institution in France that trains veterinary surgeons. It offers specialization in the fields of surgery, reproduction and disease in veterinary medicine.
“The on progress project is the Specialist Veterinary Education Program, the first in Indonesia, which will collaborate with Oniris Nantes. It has been signed by UNAIR Rector and Director of Oniris at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, “said Prof. Komang.
“In January 2020, we designed a syllabus for specialist education programs. But suddenly Covid-19 happened. Hopefully what I have pioneered can be realized,” added Prof. Komang.
Prof. Komang completed his Masters degree (DEA) in the Physiologie Animale Appliquee in 1982 and the doctoral program by finishing the Doctorat de Troicieme Cycle (S3) in 1985 from the Universite de Rennes I.
Since the 2000s, he has published about 30 scientific articles in accredited journals of Ministry of Research and Higher Education in Indonesia. He has also participated in about 20 experimental research projects since the 90s that have been presented in scientific journals and conferences. He has written 6 reference books in the field of veterinary medicine.
For his works, Prof. Komang was awarded the Integrated Excellent Research Program from the Government of Indonesia in 1992 for 3 years providing research for early pregnancy tests in cows using Progesterone paper strips.
Apart from giving an award to Prof. Komang, the French Ambassador also gave an award to Dr. Ir. Ria Asih Aryani Soemitro, M.Eng. from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS). The award session was also attended by UNAIR Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Community Development Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih M.Si, as well as the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Veterinary Doctors Association (PBPDHI) Executive Board Dr. Drh. M Munawaroh MM.
As the best university in Indonesia, UNAIR continues to support its human resources to have a global reputation and made proudest achievements for the university. (*)
Author: Binti Q. Masruroh
