Kartini in the footsteps of Prof. Syamsia: Academic dedication and commitment to future food.

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Kartini Day consistently raises the same questions over time: to what extent women have achieved equal space to learn, work, and lead. For Prof. Dr. Syamsia, MSi, a Professor in Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Muhammadiyah Makassar, Kartini Day is not just a historical commemoration, but a moment to affirm that women's struggle in higher education continues in a tangible form.

For Prof. Syamsia, a woman's achievement in reaching the position of professor is not merely an individual success. This achievement encompasses a long journey of emancipation, greater access, more opportunities, and more equal recognition of women's intellectual capacity.

"Kartini Day has a very profound meaning for me, as someone who has achieved the position of professor, because this represents the success of women's struggle to obtain equal access, opportunities, and recognition in higher education," said Prof. Syamsia, when confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

She believes that women's achievement as professors also symbolizes a social transformation. According to her, women have the intellectual capacity, academic leadership, and strategic contributions in developing science, education, and national civilization.

"A woman's achievement as a professor is not just an individual success, but also a symbol of social transformation that women have the intellectual capacity, academic leadership, and strategic contributions," she said.

This view aligns with her own academic journey. On December 31, 2024, Unismuh Makassar officially appointed Prof. Syamsia as a Professor in Agricultural Biotechnology through an extraordinary senate meeting at the Muktamar Conference Hall. The appointment was based on a decree from the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology No. 96951/M/07/2024 dated November 5, 2024.

In her inauguration speech, Prof. Syamsia presented the theme "Utilization of Local Resources in Supporting Sustainable Food Security," highlighting the importance of food diversification, strengthening local resources, and the role of higher education research in addressing global food security challenges. She emphasized that knowledge should not be distant from the lives of the community, but rather a tool to read concrete problems and offer sustainable solutions.

Maintaining Consistency Amidst Many Demands

Despite her academic achievements, Prof. Syamsia acknowledges the challenges. One of the most memorable for her is maintaining consistency between professional demands and personal responsibilities. According to her, the academic world demands high productivity: completing studies, conducting research, writing and publishing scientific works, as well as engaging in community service. At the same time, women are also often faced with family and social responsibilities that are not simple.

"One of the most memorable challenges in my academic journey as a female professor is how we can continue to maintain consistency between professional demands and personal responsibilities," she said.

Therefore, for Prof. Syamsia, a woman's journey as a professor is not just an intellectual journey, but also a journey of resilience, discipline, and sacrifice. In addition, she also mentioned the reality that in certain situations, women still have to work harder to obtain equal recognition in the academic environment.

"In some situations, women still have to work harder to prove their intellectual capacity and contributions," she said.

That is why, when a woman achieves the position of professor, the achievement cannot be read as a mere personal achievement. There is a greater symbolic meaning: that women can break through various boundaries through knowledge, hard work, and strong commitment.

Prof. Syamsia interprets these challenges in the spirit of Kartini Day. For her, Kartini taught the courage to step out of limitations and pursue education as a path to progress. Therefore, every challenge in the academic journey is not just a personal test, but a reflection of women's continued struggle.

"I view these challenges not as obstacles, but as a process that strengthens, matures, and gives deeper meaning to every achievement," said Prof. Syamsia.

Education as a Path to Future Leadership

Prof. Syamsia's reflection on Kartini Day does not stop at her own experience. She also links it to the future of young people, especially students and young women. In her view, education should be understood not only as a tool to obtain a job. Education is a strategic instrument to build intellectual, character, and social awareness.

"Education should be seen as a strategic instrument to build intellectual, character, and social awareness of young people," she said.

Therefore, she encourages students and young women to prepare not only as job seekers, but as change agents who can lead, innovate, and contribute to the progress of society. Future leadership, according to her, requires a personality that is not only academically intelligent, but also morally strong, adaptable to change, and consistently upholding values of humanity, justice, and progress.

This view aligns with Prof. Syamsia's own experience. Born in Pangkajene, Sidrap, on June 15, 1972, she studied at Universitas Hasanuddin, from Bachelor of Plantation, Master of Agribusiness, to Doctor of Agriculture. Before joining Unismuh in 2009, she had served in the Department of Forestry and Plantation as well as the Forestry Office of Maros Regency. In Unismuh, she was actively involved in holding various positions, starting from the Secretary of the Faculty of Agriculture Quality Assurance Unit, Assistant Director of Postgraduate Studies, to Head of Intellectual Property Division of LP3M.

In the field of science, she is also known for her active involvement in professional organizations, scientific publications, and biotechnology training for local farmers in South Sulawesi. All these efforts show that the knowledge pursued by Prof. Syamsia does not stop in the academic realm, but extends to broader community needs, especially in the areas of food, agriculture, and sustainability.

In conclusion, Kartini Day, in Prof. Syamsia's reflection, is not just an annual ceremony. It is a reminder that women can and must continue to take part in shaping the future of the nation, through education, science, and leadership based on values.

In Unismuh Makassar, Prof. Syamsia's achievements show that Kartini's dream of women who are intelligent, independent, and competitive never truly fades. It continues to live in the realm of study, laboratory, research, and dedication, as well as in the unwavering commitment of women who have reached the peak of their academic career.