Deden Rukmana, From the Diaspora for Indonesia

KOMPAS/ESTER LINCE NAPITUPULU

Prof. Dr. Deden Rukmana, MT, MPDS

Studying in the United States is a dream comes true for Deden Rukmana, 48. He went further by becoming a permanent lecturer in higher education in the US and attained the academic status of a professor. He is now trying to encourage scientists from Indonesia living abroad to contribute to the development of science and technology in the country.

Deden, who was born in Garut, West Java, and an alumnus of the Bandung Institute of Technology, began his career in the US as an assistant professor at Savannah State University. He has been a coordinator of the Urban Affairs Studies and Planning Program at the Department of Political Science and Public from August 2007 to August 2018. He also received a professor status at this university after a 12-year career.

In 2018, he saw more challenging career opportunities at Alabama A & M University. He moved there and was trusted to be the chair of the Department of Community and Regional Planning at the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences.

“I am grateful to be able to continue to improve my career by making achievements. I am sure that Indonesians are able to become international scientists and are able to achieve a more prestigious positionat the world’s top universities,” said Deden in Jakarta, Tuesday (March 26, 2019).

He came to Indonesia for a research collaboration with the University of Indonesia supported by USAID Shera for smart city programs. Deden, who is the chairperson of the International Indonesian Association of Sciences (I-4), also attended the discussion on a book entitled Kontribusi

Ilmuwan Diaspora dalam Pengembangan Sumber Daya Iptek dan Dikti di Indonesia (Contributions of Diaspora Scientists in the Development of Science and Technology and Higher Education Resources in Indonesia) with the media. The program was facilitated by the Knowledge, Technology and Higher Education Resources Directorate General at the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry.

Contributions of the diaspora

Being a diaspora scientist in the US for dozens of years did not necessarily make Deden forget about Indonesia. He always remembers giving donations to Indonesia. Moreover, he saw many successful diaspora scientists from China, India, South Korea and Vietnam in the US and other countries providing themselves as a link for the development of science and technology in their respective countries.

Kompas

Prof. Dr. Deden Rukmana, MT, MPDS.

“Diaspora scientists from China, India and South Korea are numerous and have made important contributions to the development of their countries. Indonesia must do the same, increase its diaspora scientists who can reach the top positions as vice chancellors or chancellors or become the head of study centers or large laboratories that have many grants. This must start,” he said.

In fact, the contribution of scientists from the Indonesian diaspora, which are scattered overseas, began to be addressed through the establishment of the I-4 ,which was officially opened by the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Europe in 2009. Then, around 50 Indonesian diaspora scientists from various countries were invited by the government to the country to build networks with domestic scientists through the 2010 Indonesia Summit event.

However, the role of I-4 in building collaboration and networking has become increasingly quiet. In fact, the work of the Indonesian diaspora scientists has been tarnished by the news of two diaspora scientists who were said to be great ones, but it turned out to be a lie.

The World Class Visiting Professor (2016) program and the 2017 World Class Scholar Symposium initiated by the Science and Technology Resources Directorate General at the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry were able to gather dozens of diaspora scientists in the country. The programs even managed to connect diaspora scientists and partner universities in the country for collaboration in research, publications, scholarship opportunities and other matters.

Deden, who has been actively involved since I-4 was established, felt it was the opportunity to realize the collaboration of diaspora scientists with domestic scientists to promote science and technology development, especially at universities. “When there was the election of I-4 chairman in 2018, I applied because I knew there were many diaspora scientists that were great and had integrity. I feel the need to rebrand the I-4 because through this forum there is a platform to do something for Indonesia.”

Elected as general chairman of I-4 for the 2018-2020 period, Deden showed his commitment to encourage diaspora scientists to contribute to Indonesia. With a personal approach, he contacted a number of Indonesian diaspora scientists in various countries who were otherwise highly qualified and integrity to be actively involved as many as possible as managing director for the US, East Asia, Australia, Europe, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and Africa.

The progress of I-4 under Deden’s leadership is increasingly visible. The diaspora began to work on collaboration, with Indonesian embassies, tertiary institutions overseas and other research institutions.

“Taking care of I-4 is arguably an additional job for me. For me, if I have started, I have to keep going,” said Deden. Strengthening I-4 is the beginning of a long journey of the nation\'s progress. “If it doesn\'t start, it\'s never been done. If Indonesia wants to enter the core of the scientific community or a country in the middle, we must learn from the country that is already in the core. We must learn and find connections. Well, here it can play a role,” he said.

Deden wants to lay the foundation for I-4 to be sustainable. He believes diaspora scientists can contribute to building a network in the center of world science and technology, where they are engaged, precisely for the benefit of the nation.

Strengthening the foundation begins with strengthening human resources in domestic universities with the support of the potential possessed by diaspora scientists, networking, research, publications, as well as career opportunities and scholarships, and much more. In fact, there is an opportunity to build the capacity of human resources and other resources without relying on the state budget.

Deden encouraged various collaboration programs that were driven by I-4. Utilizing technology, I-4 Talks were held which were assisted by PPI, every Saturday night up to 12 episodes that can be accessed overseas and Indonesia. “I contact the diaspora scientists personally and ask them to be the speaker. Essentially, they talk about contributions of the diaspora. I am pleased that this activity can go well, each session presents three talented scientists,” said Deden.

Starting in the beginning of April 2019, the activity of I-4 continues with the I-4 Lecture. The inaugural online lecture will present research scientist Teruna J Siahaan, who is Aya & Takeru Higuchi Distinguished Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the University of Kansas, United States. The online lecture will be accessed by students and lecturers from universities in Bengkulu, Lampung and Jambi.

“From this idea, a road map will be created. We want to make a series every month and every month we will have diaspora scientists to present online lecture so that there is interaction, "Deden said.

Deden hopes diaspora scientists can become mentors, counselors and liaisons for children of this nation to move forward. We must believe the collaboration and synergy of diaspora scientists with scientists in the country could help the nation to progress.

KOMPAS/ESTER LINCE NAPITUPULU

Prof. Dr. Deden Rukmana, MT, MPDS

Deden Rukmana

Born: Garut, Sept. 14, 1970

Wife: Rita Zahara, ST, MT

Children: Alivia Chantikania Rukmana (18) and Hilmy Satria Rukmana (16)

Education:

- PhD in Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University (January 2002-April 2006)

Position and job:

- Professor and Chairperson of Department of Community and Regional Planning at College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences, Alabama A&M University (August 2018-present)

- Chairman of Association of International Indonesian Scientists (I-4) (2018-2020)

Awards

- Service Award, Georgia Planning Association, Atlanta, United States, (2018)

- President’s Faculty Award for Innovation and Excellence, Savannah State

University (2018)

- Certificate of Outstanding Contribution

in Reviewing, Cities (2017)