Self-acceptance and emotional control are key to achieving success. This was conveyed by the President Director of PT Luas Birus Utama Starborn Chemical, Dr. Ir. Harris Susanto, S.Si., M.Hum., during the UI Geoscience Seminar (UIGS) X Starborn Teaching public lecture, organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), on Monday (August 25, 2025), at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Auditorium, UI Depok Campus. The event was attended by dozens of students as well as several lecturers from FMIPA
The Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, M.Si., Ph.D., in his remarks, expressed his appreciation for Dr. Harris’s willingness to share his inspiration and life experiences.
“We believe that education is shaped not only by academic knowledge but also by real-life experiences and life values that build character. Dr. Harris’s presence today will serve as an important bridge between the academic world and the dynamic professional sphere,” said Prof. Dede.
In his presentation, Dr. Harris emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s own limitations, distinguishing between what can and cannot be controlled, and developing a resilient mentality in facing life’s challenges.
“Success is not about avoiding failure, but about how we accept and respond to it appropriately,” said Harris. He also encouraged students to shift their perspective on the success of others. “Let the success of others serve as motivation, not as a discouraging comparison.”
The public lecture began with the screening of a YouTube video titled Your Journey to Wholeness, which sparked an interactive discussion between the speaker and the participants. Students were encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences in the context of self-acceptance and emotional control, which then flowed into an open dialogue about the challenges of youth.
Beyond sharing inspiration, Dr. Harris also offered concrete opportunities for the participants. Several selected students received support in the form of scholarships, opportunities to pursue master’s studies, as well as internship offers at PT Luas Birus Utama Starborn Chemical.
The public lecture concluded with the presentation of a plaque by Prof. Dede to Dr. Harris as a token of appreciation for his contributions and his company’s support as the main sponsor of the event. The program was then closed with a documentation session involving all participants, leaving a lasting impression and renewed enthusiasm among the entire FMIPA UI academic community.
