Poor. The Indonesian Young Scientist Academy (ALMI) has a mission to encourage the role of young scientists in advancing superior scientific knowledge and culture in Indonesia, with the aim of increasing the nation's competitiveness. In order to continue the leadership relay, ALMI as a leading Indonesian young scientist organization officially appointed the ALMI working body for the 2020-2022 period and 15 new members in the Plenary Session which was held online on 12-13 December 2020.

The ALMI 2020 Plenary Session was attended by the Chairperson of AIPI, Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, who expressed his hope that the presence of new members in ALMI could broaden the diversity of knowledge and deepen interdisciplinarity at ALMI.

Besides Prof. Satryo, the Plenary Session was also attended by Prof. Sangkot Marzuki who was the chairman of AIPI for the period 2008-2018 as well as the pioneer of the founders of ALMI. In his speech, Prof. Sangkot highlighted the challenges facing Indonesia going forward. Namely democracy that is still learning, ethnic and cultural diversity, rapid economic development, megabiodiversity and climate change, ecological change, agricultural society, reduced sources of fossil fuels, ring of fire, and maritime continent. "Science and technology are absolutely needed to answer these challenges", said Prof. Sangkot Marzuki.

Evi Eliyanah, SS, MA, Ph.D is one of the new members from Malang State University (UM). This English Literature lecturer was appointed as a new member of ALMI for the field of Cultural Studies.

“At first I was more familiar with AIPI (Indonesian Academy of Sciences), which is a very influential scientist association in Indonesia. I know ALMI because there is an academic colleague who is a member of ALMI. I never imagined that one day would be nominated or even accepted as one of its members. Finally in October 2020, I was contacted by one of the ALMI members to be nominated as a member. I was asked for a CV and other supplies until I finally entered the selection. Alhamdulillah, at the beginning of December, I received information that I was elected as a member. I was with 15 members who were just appointed at the ALMI Plenary Session. " said Evi when asked how to know ALMI.

The lecturer who is also the Director of International Relations (HI) UM also told how he felt about being appointed as a new member of ALMI. "Antara is proud to get recognition for what I have done in research, publication, and also networking, but on the other hand, this is a big challenge and responsibility to be able to contribute more significantly to the development of science in Indonesia. "

"At ALMI I joined the Science and Education Working Group which focuses on fostering a good scientific temperament and encouraging the realization of equality and social inclusion in the Indonesian academic environment. So we formulate and implement programs that support the realization of these two goals. Among the programs we have initiated are Scientists Go to Schools, seminars and workshops and so on. " he continued.

This hardworking woman also hopes that by being appointed as a new member of ALMI, she can contribute to the advancement of good scientific and cultural knowledge in Indonesia.

Reporter: Muhammad Zaid Al Khair - UM Public Relations Internship