Universities hold an important role as the center of science, culture, and technology development. One of its roles was achieved by Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) by developing various studies on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Coincidentally, the AI realm is the main research subject for Udinus’ youngest professor, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom.

According to his studies, Prof. Pulung routinely takes advantage of digital technology that continuously improving all the time, such as AI technology, Three Dimension (3D), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmentation Reality (AR). His research focuses on culture and nature preservation. In the field of Culture, his research contribution is proven by digitalizing Gamelan (Indonesian traditional music instrument) which is commonly known as E-Gamelan Udinus Campus.

At first, the innovation could only be played through gadgets, but now it is also available on VR and AR technologies. These technologies can be used to take users into the world of gamelan, enabling them to interact with the instrument. In fact, users can also create their music inside the amazing virtual world. The gamelan that uses VR and AR technologies is named Gamelan Metaverse. Not only that, Prof. Pulung keeps improving this gamelan by adding some robotic touch to them, transforming this device into a ‘Sekar Nuswantoro Robot.’

Furthermore, he consistently develops computer vision, which includes his research in the computer science field particularly on replicating parts of the complexity of the human visual system. This research is a part of artificial intelligence (AI) which has high potential in preserving nature. Moreover, he had done this research by utilizing computer vision to collect coral reefs as its object.

Thanks to his innovations toward preserving nature and culture, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., is crowned as Outstanding Figure in Central Jawa in 2023 in the Education field. The award was given by the Association of Central Java Journalists which is part of the Berlian Organizer. Besides that, 13 other individuals are rewarded with the same award in different types of fields, including law, economy, and business.

‘The Outstanding Figures in Central Java in 2023’ award is given to Prof. Pulung and other exceptional individuals as a form of appreciation for their contributions from different elements that are valued as high achievements, meritorious, and giving the biggest contribution for the development and social welfare in Central Java. 

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., explained that the award he had just received could be the trigger for other educators to do the same thing.

“I’m very thankful for the award given to me. I am hoping that teachers in Central Java Province, can give in-depth contributions, especially in the field of research which of course has a lot of benefit for society,” stated Prof. Pulung.

Reported on his questions from online media, the Chairman of Berlian Organizer, Haryanto said that the selected figures had given the biggest contribution in their respective field for the development and social welfare in Central Java Province, Indonesia. 

“The persistent and tenacious side of these figures gives motivation, inspiration, and the right examples for the public. Aside from their achievements, they also have amazing characters that need to be imitated by many people,” revealed Haryanto, Senior Journalist of Media Indonesia.

The 'Most Outstanding Figures in Central Java In 2023' award ceremony took place at the Gradhika Bakti Praja Building in Semarang. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., the Vice Chancellor IV overseeing research and collaboration at Udinus, couldn't attend. Consequently, the award was received on behalf of Udinus' rectorate team by Agus Syaiful Anwar, S.Akun., M.M. (Udinus Public Relation/Alex. Udinus PR)