Yogyakarta, 7 November 2019—Transcending the realms of academia and activism describes the life story of Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed (professor of International Relations). For more than 40 years, he has contributed significantly to the studies of political economy and emancipatory organizations, such as Rifka Annisa.
His lifelong service was celebrated with a retirement ceremony that was held in the Mandiri Auditorium last Thursday. This event was started with an opening speech by Dr. Nur Rachmat Yuliantoro (the Head of the Department of International Relations) and Prof. Dr. Erwan Agus Purwanto (the Dean of Fisipol).
The event was continued by a film screening about Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed’s life story, entitled “Keeping the Questions.” This film showcased his journey as an academician and as an activist. This film was produced by Limaenam Films.
“My question back then was simple. Why did authoritarianism appear again in Indonesia? Today, I am afraid to ask the same question, because recently, there have been setbacks in our democracy,” Mohtar Mas’oed stated in this film.
Several well-known figures attended this ceremony, such as Buya Syafii Maarif (the former Chairman of Muhammadiyah), Prof. Ichlasul Amal (the former Rector of UGM) and Prof. Dr. Salim Said (the former Ambassador of Indonesia to the Czech Republic).
Prof. Dr. Salim Said, Luki Aulia (the daughter of Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed) and Poppy S. Winanti (a colleague and a former student of Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed) led the talk show after the film screening. “My father is a good man, he is always enthusiastic to share. However, he never wants others to think that he is tired, hence our family must always understand him,” Luki conveyed.
“In our tradition, a name is a prayer. What I have achieved, I believe, is attributed to the prayers of my parents. Mohtar Mas’oed means the one that is happy. Therefore, I think that when they are watching this ceremony, they are smiling in heaven,” Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed stated. This ceremony was closed with a group photo session. Afterwards, the participants shook hands with him and his wife. After that, he became the guide in the exhibition that was held outside of the Mandiri Auditorium.
This exhibition was entitled “Di Ruang Tunggu” (In the Waiting Room) and was organized by Malya Studio. This exhibition showcased artworks that reflected the life story of Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed and his service for the academia and the world of activism.