[unsoed.ac.id, Tue, 29/07/25] Prof. Dr. Ir. Akhmad Sodiq Mc., Agr., IPU ASEAN Eng, the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), was honored as one of the 75 Outstanding Figures of Central Java. This award ceremony, organized by Suara Merdeka, took place at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building in Semarang on the evening of July 25, 2025. In addition to the Rector, the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Norman Arie Prayoga, S.Pi., M.Si, also received a similar award.
Prof. Akhmad Sodiq expressed his gratitude for receiving this award. “I hope this award will motivate me personally and the entire academic community to give our best in contributing to education and to the Republic of Indonesia that we love,” he said.
The award was presented directly by Kukrit Suryo Wicaksono, MBA, the CEO of Suara Merdeka Network, who also serves as a Commissioner of the state-owned company Pegadaian. In his speech, he stated that the recipients of the Tokoh Pamomong award are individuals who play a significant role in community activities.
“Pamomong figures are more than just leaders; they serve as guides, companions, protectors, and motivators within the community, making significant contributions to the well-being of the people,” said Kukrit. He added that Pamomong figures come from diverse backgrounds, including religious leaders, regional heads, ministers, academics, and more. “If we want to achieve progress in Central Java, collaboration is essential,” he stated.
During the award ceremony, two representatives from Unsoed were recognized as part of the 75 Pamomong figures in Central Java. Among the honorees were the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, the Minister of Trade, the Governor of Central Java, as well as a renowned cultural figure and religious leader, KH Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, along with various other notable individuals from the region.
Agus Toto Widiyatmoko, the Editor-in-Chief of Suara Merdeka, announced that the Pamomong Figure Award is part of Suara Merdeka’s effort to recognize individuals in Central Java. This includes religious leaders, bureaucrats, academics, cultural figures, artists, social activists, and others.
“There is a common thread among these individuals: their significant contributions to the progress and welfare of the people of Central Java. Although they may not be in the spotlight, their presence is felt. We congratulate and wish continued success to these figures, and we hope they will persist in their important work,” he stated.