The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon is the highest honorary title conferred by the government of Japan. This title is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to citizens and non-citizens who have contributed to the promotion of culture, the progress of fields, the development of social welfare, and the protection of the environment in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Several Indonesians have received this honor, including Minister of National Development Planning 2009-2014 Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Founder of ITB STIKOM Bali and Balinese Cultural Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem MA, Chair of the University of Indonesia’s Japanese Studies Program Prof. I Ketut Surajaya, Chancellor of Dharma Persada University 2006-2011 Kamaruddin, and Chancellor of Dharma Persad.
Prof. Andi Husni Tanra, MD, PhD, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine, has also attained this prestigious accomplishment. The Japanese government stated this on November 3, 2020. Husni got the good news by telephone. The Japanese Consulate that communicated Hosni’s name was listed on the list of recipients of an honorary title from the Emperor of Japan. This information was obtained one week before the award’s formal announcement.
This honor was bestowed upon him for his contributions to bolstering Japan’s ties with Indonesia, particularly through promoting academic and friendship interactions. When questioned by an identification reporter, Husni said, “I was astonished when I heard this news and even sobbed since I was not anticipating this title.”
The uniqueness of this honor is reflected in the certificate issued by the Japanese government, which has three stamps representing the Emperor of Japan, the Prime Minister, and the Chair of the Award Committee. Behind the honor obtained by Husni lies a great deal of labor and commitment to teaching.
Husni began his narrative in January with the protests and rioting of the Limbaleas Disaster (Malari). Where individuals and students burn Japanese merchandise. As a consequence of this occurrence, the Japanese government invited student leaders to Japan in August 1974 to participate in a seminar. Husni represented Unhas students in the seminar, which took place at Hiroshima University.
During the lecture, he met personally with Ijizima Souichi, the campus’s rector. The chancellor is a physician. When they first met, Souichi suggested that Husni pursue his education in Hiroshima. Husni recalls remarking, “Heh, who wants to study in Japan?” Husni returned to Indonesia and finished his studies the next year after attending the seminar.
After earning his M.D., Husni desired to pursue his education overseas. The former Senate Chair of FK-UH expressed his wish to study abroad. “Even if I’m abroad and the stupidest, I’m the brightest upon my return since I’ve learned something new,” he stated.
Husni feels excited about his future as he finishes his education abroad. He recalled the promise of the Hiroshima University chancellor when he attended the seminar. The contents of the letter were then forwarded to Ijizima Souichi via Husni. “Professor, I have completed my studies; how about a meeting? “With this line, I will send the postcard,” Husni remarked about the letter’s contents.
A few months after Husni’s letter was sent. He received word that he had been admitted into the Faculty of Medicine at Hiroshima University. Then, in March 1976, Husni went to complete his education.
After one year of study, Husni was given admission to the S3 PhD program. Initially, Husni lacked the motivation to continue since the process was lengthy. However, one of Husni’s teachers clarified that he was ineligible for a scholarship if he simply took a specialization. Husni also chose to pursue doctorate studies, earning his PhD in 1981.
Husni returned to Indonesia after finishing his studies in order to establish the Unhas Faculty of Medicine. Husni was the first Japanese-trained anesthesiologist in Indonesia at the time. Upon his return to the United States, he also saw an increase in the number of Unhas graduates in Japan.
Husni is a figure who has accomplished a number of things. From 1987 until 2000, he served as chairman of the Alumni Association of South Sulawesi Japan (PERSADA SULSEL). Became president of the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) Indonesia chapter. This Japanese-founded nonprofit aids victims of natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
When Husni was in Japan, he was uniquely referred to as Tanra. The name indicates that he has just three qualities: he is diligent, honest, and diligent. “Diligent, since everyone is diligent and nobody dislikes it; second, honest, because nobody enjoys being honest; and third, everyone will be pleased with me,” he continued.
In addition, Husni values truthfulness as one of the most essential qualities. Thus, this is what motivates Husni to continue teaching despite his retirement. According to Husni, anything is done with sincerity will be accepted easily, and if teaching, it must be done with sincerity so that the lessons are never forgotten.
Original Writer: Muhammad Alif
Translator: Corvi Dipda S.
