Hall B.101 Building B of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) officially changed its name to Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall, Tuesday (27/9/2022).
The inauguration was marked by the signing of an inscription by Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., Dean of FMIPA UI, and Prof. Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro, S.E., MUP, Ph.D., son of Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro.
The Dean of FMIPA UI said that naming this hall after Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro was a form of appreciation and to commemorate the services of the youngest Rector in UI’s history.
“He contributed so much energy and thought during the early days of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UI, and we felt it necessary to honor him. As the saying goes, a great nation is one that honors the services of its heroes,” said the Dean of FMIPA UI in his remarks.
Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro was the second Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), which at that time was still known as the Faculty of IPIA UI. He served from 1964 to 1968.
During his tenure as Dean of FIPIA UI, he also served as the 7th Chancellor of UI, whose term of office was then extended until 1973.
Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro also served as Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Indonesia in 1967-1973 and also Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in 1973.
Officially bearing his father’s great name, Prof. Bambang expressed his hope that this hall would bring a new spirit to the academic community in carrying out lecture activities at FMIPA UI.
He briefly shared the story of his father’s struggles, having served as Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Indonesia (UI) from 1964 to 1968 and Dean of the Faculty of Letters from 1964 to 1965. At that time, the UI economist said, Indonesia was experiencing political instability.
“So that at that time UI could continue to operate and provide lectures to students,” said Bambang regarding his father’s dual position.
As a ceremonial complement, the tumpeng was also cut and the curtain of the hall was opened by Prof. Bambang.
The Prof. Dr. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall is a space used for meetings and lectures by the FMIPA UI academic community. With an area of 342 m2, this hall can accommodate 300 people.
The determination of the name change of hall B.101 building B FMIPA UI itself is stated in the Decree of the Dean of FMIPA UI Number: 2309/SK/F3.D/UI/2020 by which was signed by Dr. Rokhmatuloh, M.Eng. Acting Dean of FMIPA UI at that time, right on the 60th anniversary of FMIPA UI, December 21, 2020.
