PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Dr. Ir. Hj. Delima Hasri Azahari, MS, has built a remarkable career as the Lead Researcher at the Economic, Industrial, Services, and Trade Research Center (Pusris EIJP) within Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Her dedication to advancing national agricultural development has been unwavering. Born on December 4, 1956, in Tanjung Karang, Lampung Province, Dr. Delima is the sixth of ten siblings. From an early age, her talent and determination in education were evident, paving the way for her numerous achievements.
Dr. Delima’s academic journey began at TK Xaverius in Palembang, then continued through SD Mardi Yuana in Bogor. She displayed exceptional curiosity and academic excellence, progressing to SMP Negeri II and SMA Negeri II in Bogor. Her hard work and intelligence earned her an undergraduate degree in Agriculture from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) in 1979, graduating with cum laude honors. She further pursued a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at IPB, also graduating cum laude in 1983.
The pinnacle of her academic achievements came in 1990 when she earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, USA, with cum laude honors, supported by a World Bank scholarship—a testament to her capabilities on an international scale.
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As Palmoilmagazine.com, Saturday (26/10/2024), after finishing her study, Dr. Delima started her career as the researcher in Pusat Sosial Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Pertanian (PSEKP), Ministry of Agriculture. Hers got increased until she became the main researcher in 2021. But her achievement was not in research only. She got the structural position in the government. She once was as Head of Agriculture Quarantine Agency and General Director of Agriculture Product Marketing and Process. Her skills, insights and knowledge in agriculture made her as the main negotiator of Indonesia when having international scale – negotiation, namely in ASEAN and World Trade Organization.
Her positions in the government showed that the female would play important roles to manage the strategic sectors. For years, she was the members of boards of commissioners in Enterprises, such as, in PT Pupuk Sriwidjaya, PT Petro Kimia Gresik, and PT Perkebunan Nusantara XI. Dr. Delima was once as the Commissioner at PTPN XI, XII, and VI. These showed her leadership in agribusiness sectors.
Her activism and contribution did not stop in the professional careers. She is active in civil society and professional organizations, such as, Chairman of Gabungan Perusahaan Perkebunan Indonesia (GPPI) and Vice Chairman of Dewan Minyak Sawit Indonesia (DMSI), Dr. Delima keeps fighting for the sustainable development and fair trade. Her struggles got more until she became Chairperson of Solidaridad Network Indonesia Foundation. She actively plays her roles in the initiatives that supports sustainable palm oil industries in Indonesia.
Not only that, Dr. Delima played her roles in many social organizations. As the Chairwomen of SMA Negeri 1 Bogor, she would keep encouraging the community and education in this country.
For having many achievements and contributions, Dr. Delima Hasri Azahari is the inspiring figure both for the young generations and her colleges in the research world and government. Her life stories and dedication showed that the committed research and leader would make sustainable agriculture and development go forward in Indonesia. (P1)
