Mohammad Ridwan Utina ST MT when confirmed as the oldest graduate at the 130th ITS Graduation Ceremony

ITS Campus, ITS News — The proverb that states that age is a label not a limitation was proven at the 130th Graduation Ceremony of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). Crowned as the oldest graduate at the age of 61 years and 11 months, Mohammad Ridwan Utina ST MT shared the secret of graduating with cum laude predicate from the ITS Masters Program in Marine Engineering at the graduation ceremony on the 2nd day, Sunday (22/9).

Starting his career at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in 1989, the man who is familiarly called Ridwan admitted that he was interested in the field of ship hydrodynamics and floating structures. For Ridwan, hydrodynamics is something interesting to research. “That perception led me to continue my Masters education at ITS through the BRIN Degree by Research (DBR) Program,” he said.

The man who graduated with a Cumulative Assessment Index (IPK) of 3.97 revealed that the key to achieving almost perfect results lay in several important points. Ridwan admitted that he had prepared himself since he first registered for the Masters program. This preparation was in the form of research topics that would be developed in the preparation of the thesis and publication in Scopus indexed journals.

In addition to preparing research topics, the researcher at the Hydrodynamic Technology Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said that self-motivation is also very important in achieving perfect results. Self-motivation can raise enthusiasm and drive to study diligently and be disciplined during lectures. In the context of his graduation, Ridwan revealed that his GPA of 4 and graduation time of three semesters were internal motivations to maintain the momentum of his success.

Mohammad Ridwan Utina ST MT, the oldest ITS graduate at the 130th Graduation while working as a researcher at the BRIN Hydrodynamic Technology Research Center

No less important, Ridwan explained that time management should also be considered. Time management for studying, working, and gathering with family are three responsibilities that must be found to have a common thread. “Don’t let one of these three responsibilities be neglected,” he reminded.

The graduate born in 1962 also talked about the research that led him to earn a master’s degree in engineering. Indirectly, this research also led Ridwan to achieve a near-perfect GPA. The research from the thesis is entitled Analysis of Total Resistance Reduction on Axe Bow Hull Patrol Boats with CFD Methods and Model Tests.

Simply put, the thesis explains how the shape of the axe bow hull can affect the ship’s resistance caused by waves. This research has been applied to patrol boats that play a strategic role in maintaining the security of the waters in the archipelago.

As a result, it is known that the shape of this type of ship hull can reduce the total resistance of the ship by 10 – 12 percent on patrol boats compared to conventional hull shapes. This reduction in total ship resistance is considered very beneficial because it can reduce the power machine, so that fuel use can be more efficient.

Finally, the bespectacled man admitted that he did not expect that returning to the world of education to study could be something enjoyable. Of course, at an advanced age, worries about obstacles while studying had become a challenge in itself. “However, Alhamdulillah with strong intentions and determination, it can be passed smoothly,” he said gratefully. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Ahmad Farhan Alghifari