Mochtar Riady Rebuilds Social and Political Research Center Destroyed by Fire at UI
Jakarta. Mochtar Riady, Lippo Group chairman, University of Indonesia rector Muhammad Anis and dean of the school of social and political science Arie Setiabudi Susilo, laid the first cornerstone of the Mochtar Riady Social and Political Research Center at the University of Indonesia, in Depok on Monday (24/10).
It replaced the former building which caught fire in early 2014. As a result, research centers, books donated by sociologist Iwan Gardono Sujatmiko and the sociology school were demolished, leaving staff no choice but to work in a temporary office for two years.
"We had to rebuild immediately. However, the process to get government funding was complicated," Arie said.
After a lengthy discussion between the rector and faculty deans, they decided to approach Mochtar Riady, who was also a member of the university's board of trustees. Mochtar agreed to fully fund the replacement building.
On behalf of the university, Arie expressed his gratitude to Mochtar for his generosity.
It was not the first building Mochtar donated to the university. Previously Mochtar funded a nanotechnology research center, Mochtar Riady Quantum Plaza, to the university's school of engineering.
Mochtar highlighted the importance of contributing to educational institutions to support the development of education and research in Indonesia.
"UI's development is not only the responsibility of the government but every Indonesian including myself. On this occasion, I brought my grandsons with me to remind them to keep contributing to UI," Mochtar said.
Also in attendance were Mochtar Riady's wife, Suryawati Lidya; grandsons Alex Riady, John Riady and Henry Riady; vice rectors; deans; and the university's Social and Political Science student association head, Ahmad Alhamid.The Jakarta Globe is affiliated with the Lippo Group.
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