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 Role of Aspergillus spp. to Support Community Welfare," Prof. Wibowo explained that Aspergillus spp. are microorganisms that are beneficial to humans as enzyme and drug producers and play a role in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, disease diagnosis, and genetic engineering. In the food industry, for example, Aspergillus spp. berperan besar dalam pembuatan kecap. Sedangakan pada dunia farmasi, Aspergillus spp. are used to produce antibiotic, antihypercholesterolemic and anticancer compounds. Aspergillus spp. is also used as a producer of antioxidants that function to inhibit degenerative diseases. Research on the benefits of Aspergillus spp. in producing this antioxidant has been carried out in the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, where as many as 12 cultures were used. Aspergillus spp. has been tested and is capable of producing the highest antioxidants.
Regarding the various benefits and roles Aspergillus spp., Prof. Wibowo said, "There are still many things that need to be done as homework in the development of the genus Aspergillus spp., especially those isolated from Indonesia, 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 that universities 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, organizational improvements, human resource management, work efficiency and regular funding sources.
