Mochtar Riady Institute for Nano-Technology (MRIN) Inauguration May 12, 2008
Unlike any other important figure?s birthday, which is usually full of nostalgia and laughter, Mochtar Riady celebrated his 79th birthday at Mochtar Riady Institute for Nano-Technology (MRIN).
A luxurious hall in that building is turned into an international symposium room, and many Indonesia?s important figures came to MRIN, such as BJ Habibie (former Indonesia?s president), Kusmayanto Kadiman (Indonesia?s Minister of Research and Technology), Bachtiar Chamsyah (Indonesia?s Minister of Social), Fauzi Bowo (Governor of Jakarta), Gumilar Rusliwa Soemantri (Rector of Universitas Indonesia), Ismet Iskandar (Regent of Banten), and Rano Karno (Vice Regent of Banten). They witnessed the birth of the first private cancer institution in Indonesia.
It is not a coincidence MRIN picked May 12, 2008 as its birthday. It is also the birthday of Mochtar Riady, its founder. The use of Mochtar Riady as its name signifies Mochtar Riady?s intention to keep on contributing to his nation in spite of his age. Age might have slowed down his body, but he has proven that his ideas and spirit are unbreakable. He is indeed magnificent and a good example for Indonesia?s youngsters.
Mochtar Riady risks a lot for this institution. His family?s foundation has paid more than $30 million for the investment plus $3 million for its annual operational fee. ?Everyone has a dream,? he said, and his dream is to one day see a Nobel laureate from Indonesia. He realizes that achieving his dream would take courage and strong commitment. That is why he built UPH Medical Sciences Group, which is a synergy of MRIN, UPH Faculty of Medicine, and Siloam Hospital Group. Supported by competent scientists and researchers, MRIN is focused on cancer prevention. Until now, MRIN has gained patent from its two researches.
The presence of 21 world famous cancer experts has opened people?s eyes of the seriousness of MRIN. An international symposium on ?Frontier of Cancer Research? was held for 2 days at UPH Karawaci. MRIN will surely grow and develop as it is also supported by the Mochtar Riady?s offspring, especially James T Riady, as the founder of UPH. Mochtar Riady names the organization with his own so that no one can ever close down MRIN.
It is a must for all of us to continue growing the seeds that have been planted by Mochtar Riady, who has a noble heart and a social responsibility for this nation.
By Yuniarti Susilo, UPH
