The number of Professors at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UI has increased again, Professor Wibowo Mangunwardoyo officially became a Permanent Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UI after being inaugurated by the Chancellor of the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Anis, M.Met. on Wednesday (9/8/2017) at the Makara Art Centrum Building, UI, Depok.
In his speech entitled “The Roleof Aspergillusspp. in Supporting Community Welfare,” Prof. Wibowo explained thatAspergillusspp. are microorganisms that are beneficial to humans as producers of enzymes and drugs and play a role in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, disease diagnosis and genetic engineering. In the food industry, for example,Aspergillusspp. plays a major role in the manufacture of soy sauce. Meanwhile, in the pharmaceutical world,Aspergillusspp. is used to produce antibiotic, antihypercholesterolemic and anti-cancer compounds.Aspergillusspp. is also used as a producer of antioxidants that function to inhibit degenerative diseases. Research on the benefits ofAspergillusspp. in producing antioxidants has been conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, where 12Aspergillusspp. cultures have been tested and are able to produce the highest antioxidants.
Regarding the diverse benefits and rolesof Aspergillusspp., Prof. Wibowo said, “There are still many things to be done as homework in the development of the genusAspergillusspp., especially those isolated from the Indonesian motherland, which are bioprospects that have not been explored. One of the obstacles is the difficulty in developing basic science in this country.” Prof. Wibowo contributed suggestions for universities to be abundant with facilities and infrastructure to support the development of basic science research. In addition, it is also necessary to build cooperation with various institutions, improve organizations, human resource management, work efficiency and regular funding sources.
