HERUDI KARTOWISASTRO

19 January 1938 to 16 March 2008

It is with great sadness and emotion that we pause at this moment to honour our dear friend and colleague, Mr Herudi Kartowisastro, Director of the Science-Technology Centre of Indonesia, Pusat Peragaan Ilmu Pengetahuan Dan Teknologi, and member of ASPAC Executive Council. Herudi was tragically killed in an accident in his home country of Indonesia on the morning of 16 March, just two weeks ago.

When he died, Herudi was pursuing one of his great passions in life – flying a plane that he had designed himself. On that Sunday morning, Herudi, who had been an aero modeling hobbyist since his high school days in his youth, was testing his new plane in order to obtain an airworthiness certificate for this new design. His colleagues would often comment “You name it, Herudi can fly it!”

Many here knew Herudi as a man of unwavering devotion and service to the development of science centres in our Asia Pacific region. Each contact with him has left us with a deep respect for him as a gentleman of the highest standing, as a leader who always had a positive word to say no matter how great the challenge, as an enthusiast who loved to create and build new possibilities.

Herudi’s work with science centres began in 1986, 22 years ago, when he was requested to join a committee to support the establishment of a Science Centre for Indonesia. Three years later, he opened a small display area where the public could experience some locally made interactive exhibits. The response from visitors was enthusiastic, and this persuaded the Government and sponsors to proceed with the funding and construction of a permanent building. The President of Indonesia was present for the inauguration of the National Science and Technology Centre in November 1995 – a significant tribute to Herudi’s leadership as Director, a position he held part time in addition to his other Government responsibilities.

Following the opening, the years of economic crisis and social unrest presented great challenges for the new Centre, but Herudi persevered, always maintaining a positive outlook on the future, for he was absolutely convinced of the importance of this project for the people of his country.

In 2004, as the Centre’s economic situation improved, Herudi took on the task to support a Government initiative to establish science centres in other provinces throughout Indonesia. And today, there are six provincial centres as a result of his drive and passion.

Herudi’s impact beyond his own country has been significant. He was present at the meeting of science centre directors here in Bangkok, eleven years ago in 1997, when ASPAC was formed. He was elected as a founding member of the ASPAC Executive Council.

He has made an immense contribution to the first decade of the ASPAC network. His dedication, his wisdom and his humour have helped to develop a network that is not just an organisation, but a family.

Herudi died at the age of 70 years, a pioneer and champion of science centres in his own country and beyond, a man who knew what it was like to fly. We honour Herudi as our colleague and friend and, on behalf of the ASPAC network that he has served so well, I express our heartfelt sympathy to members of his family and his staff.

Delivered by Ms Tengku Nasariah Ibrahim, President of ASPAC
ASPAC 08 Conference, National Science Museum, Thailand

Wednesday 2 April 2008