Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) recently wrote a new page in the annals of history by inaugurating Prof. Dr. Muljono, S.Si., M.Kom., as a professor in Machine Learning Optimization. With this title, Prof. Muljono became among the most prominent Indonesian academicians in this particular field.

Machine Learning Optimization holds an important role in ensuring that machine learning technology is implemented efficiently, accurately, and flexibly for various purposes. Prof. Muljono explained that algorithm development based on machine learning would potentially inflict immense impacts in various sectors, including medicine, energy, and transportation.

Furthermore, he exemplified the implementation of Machine Learning Optimization in medical diagnoses. This optimization can increase the accuracy of early diagnoses for diseases like cancer through medical image analyses out of all methods conventionally used nowadays.

“The optimization technique will allow us to come up with a solution with tangible impact on society, including early diagnoses of particular diseases, transportation, and energy management,” Prof. Muljono revealed.

Prof. Muljono added that the field of Machine Learning Optimization was a key to support the implementation of machine learning effectively. He also highlighted the latent potential of Machine Learning development in Indonesia, even though it still faces many challenges, including the lack of experts and the limitation of awareness of machine learning in traditional sectors.

In addition, the growth in Machine Learning and Data Science communities in Indonesia, as well as the increase in technological startups also raise public awareness concerning the implementation of Machine Learning Optimization in various sectors.

“Indonesia, with a population of 270 people, holds big and diverse data volumes. This is a big opportunity for us to train and optimize the machine learning model,” he explained.

As a professor, Prof. Muljono is committed to contributing to science through research, publications, and advising students. He was optimistic that the development of Machine Learning Optimization could resolve global problems and inflict big impacts in the medical, energy, transportation, agricultural, and environmental sectors.

“Earning the professor title is not a mere personal achievement, but also a responsibility to keep giving positive impacts in my field of expertise, as well as institution,” he emphasized.

A Long Journey Toward the Winding Path of Professor

Prof. Muljono’s academic journey started in 1996 when he attained a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Universitas Diponegoro. In the same year, he began working at Udinus as a lecturer. In 2001, he attained a Master’s in Computer Science Degree at STTIBI Jakarta. In 2016, he completed his doctoral studies, with a Doctor in Electrical Engineering and Informatics Degree at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya.

His international experiences also further carved a path for his career. In 2014, he participated in the Sandwich Program hosted by the Tokyo University of Technology, and he also served as a guest lecturer at the Erasmus Mundus program held by the University of Split, Croatia in 2018. “These international experiences help me expand my perspective, especially in researching,” he uttered.

His dedication as an academician also granted Prof. Muljono several accomplishments, including first place as the Best Lecturer in Science and Technology at an event held by the Higher Education Service Institutes of Region VI Central Java in 2019. He also received research funding from the Ministry of Education in 2013 and finished his Post-Doctoral research at Universitas Gajah Mada from 2018 to 2019.

However, his journey was not a smooth one, as Prof. Muljono faced challenges in balancing his teaching, research, and community service responsibilities, particularly when he was the head department.

“I learned how to properly manage my time through careful planning and research collaborations with my colleagues. They have been quite helpful so far,” he concluded. (Humas Udinus/Alex. Foro: Humas Udinus)