Beloved Former UGM Rector Ichlasul Amal Passes Away at 82
Ichlasul Amal, the esteemed former rector of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta and former chair of Indonesia’s Press Council, passed away early Thursday morning in Jakarta at the age of 82. His contributions to academia and public life have left an indelible mark on the nation, particularly during a time of significant political upheaval in Indonesia.
A Legacy in Academia
Ichlasul was born in 1942 in Jember, East Java. He graduated from UGM in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, a field that would become his lifelong passion. He later earned a master’s degree in political science from Northern Illinois University in the U.S. in 1974 and a doctoral degree from Monash University in Australia in 1984.
Most of his career was dedicated to teaching international relations, a subject that thrived under his guidance at UGM’s School of Social and Political Sciences. His leadership journey began when he was appointed dean of the school from 1988 to 1994, culminating in his election as UGM rector in 1998, a position he held until 2002.
Championing Student Activism
One of Ichlasul’s defining moments came in the midst of the 1998 student protests against former President Soeharto’s authoritarian regime. As the country faced economic turmoil and rampant corruption, Ichlasul made a pivotal decision to support UGM students who were rallying on campus for democratic reforms. His courage to allow these protests underscored his commitment to academic freedom and social justice, and his advocacy for the students resonated across the nation.
“[Ichlasul’s] leadership during the 1998 protests exemplified the role of universities as bastions of critical thought and activism,” remarked Mohtar Mas’oed, a professor of international relations at UGM’s School of Social and Political Sciences. This sentiment echoes among many students and faculty who regarded him as an inspirational figure during a transformative period in Indonesia’s history.
Final Farewell
Ichlasul Amal’s passing occurred at 2:40 a.m. at Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta. His body was brought back to Yogyakarta on Thursday afternoon for mourners to pay their respects at UGM’s Balairung Hall. Following the memorial, he was laid to rest at the Sawitsari cemetery later that day. He is survived by his wife, Ery Hariati, and their two children.
The impact of Ichlasul’s life is felt not only in educational circles but also among generations of students and professionals influenced by his teachings and leadership. His death marks a significant loss to the academic community and the nation at large.
A Call to Remember
As we reflect on Ichlasul Amal’s remarkable life, we invite readers to share their thoughts and memories of this influential figure. Whether you were a student taught by him or someone inspired by his work in governance and journalism, your stories contribute to his enduring legacy. Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
For more on the life of Ichlasul Amal and other influential figures, stay connected with our website, and explore articles that delve deeper into the impact of academia and activism in shaping the future of Indonesia.
