UNDIP, Germany (30/03) – Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, ST, PhD, who had just arrived in Germany, had the unique experience of celebrating Eid al-Fitr 1446 H in the beautiful city of Aachen, Germany. This marked her first time celebrating Eid abroad while attending a fellowship program at RWTH Aachen, a prestigious university in Germany and the alma mater of Indonesia’s second President, B.J. Habibie.
On the morning of March 30, 2025, Anggun performed the Eid prayer at Bendplatz, a square near the Aachen city park, which is located not far from the university campus. Despite the light rain, Anggun felt immense joy as she celebrated Eid in Europe. A deep sense of gratitude filled her heart as she reflected on her fortunate opportunity to experience this special occasion abroad.
Anggun, who is a lecturer at the Chemical Engineering Technology Program (TRKI) in the Vocational School at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), is currently in Germany for a fellowship program at RWTH Aachen. The program is funded by the Theodore von Kármán Fellowship from RWTH Aachen University, running from March 28 to April 12, 2025.
This fellowship is part of a collaborative effort between the Indonesian and German governments, focusing on enhancing the quality of young Indonesian lecturers through scholarships. This collaboration began with the Circular Economy Scholarship Program (CESP) 2024, a doctoral scholarship program for lecturers at three prominent Indonesian universities (ITB, UNDIP, and UGM), organized by RWTH Aachen in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Germany and the Directorate General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek). The initiative was based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Directorate General of Higher Education and RWTH Aachen, with the signing ceremony attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Arief Havas Oegroseno, and the Rector of RWTH Aachen, Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger.
Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, S.T., Ph.D. (UNDIP), was appointed as the Country Coordinator for the program alongside Anis Apriliawati, S.S., M.Sc. (DIKTI). Two other UNDIP lecturers, Denis (Faculty of Engineering) and Rizka Amalia (Vocational School), were also recipients of the CESP 2024 and are pursuing doctoral studies at the Institute of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) and the Thermoprocesses and Emission Control in Waste Management and Recycling Teaching and Research Unit (TEER).
The Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si, expressed strong support for the program, emphasizing that it not only enhances doctoral education but also builds professional capacity through fellowship activities. “This will have a positive impact on various aspects, including employer recognition. Additionally, it will contribute to improving the program’s key performance indicators (IKU),” he said.
During her fellowship, Anggun has been involved in various activities, including intensive coordination with related parties for the scholarship program. She is also scheduled to deliver a lecture on Circular Economy to the academic community at RWTH Aachen on April 4, 2025.
It is hoped that this initiative will result in stronger institutional cooperation between Indonesian and German universities, and facilitate the smooth running of the scholarship program. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a Circular Economy Centre in Indonesia once the CESP recipients complete their doctoral studies.
Although Anggun couldn’t enjoy her traditional lontong opor for Eid, she celebrated the occasion with her new family in Germany. While her colleagues in Indonesia are still enjoying their Eid holiday, Anggun will resume her academic activities at RWTH Aachen on Monday, March 31, 2025. May this experience bring positive outcomes for UNDIP and inspire others to collaborate in advancing knowledge and technology!
Recent Comments