Habibie receives honorary doctorate

The Jakarta Post | Sat, 01/30/2010 11:13 AM

Former president Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie received an Honorary Doctorate in Technology Philosophy on Saturday from the University of Indonesia (UI) for his work toward developing science and technology in the country.

The title was conferred by UI rector Gumilar Rusmiwa Sumantri during a graduation ceremony at the university campus.

“He (Habibie) keeps reminding of the importance of ethical consideration in effect of the appliance of technology in society,” Gumilar said in his speech as quoted by kompas.com.

Habibie, a German-trained professor in aerospace engineering, served as the country's president between 1998 and 1999, succeeding Soeharto after the latter's resignation following massive civil unrest.

While active as a researcher in Germany, Habibie conducted many research assignments, producing theories on thermodynamics, construction, and aerodynamics, known as the Habibie Factor, Habibie Theorem, and Habibie Method respectively.

From 1978 to 1998, Habibie, now 74, served as the Minister of Technology and Research in Soeharto's Cabinet. He pushed for a leapfrog strategy of development, which he hoped would bypass the foundational low-skill technology stages to turn Indonesia into an industrialized country.