“Nyambut gawe sing penting jeneng, mengko jenang teko dewe,” meaning working with integrity will bring sustenance in its due time. This Javanese proverb was the central message delivered by Prof. Dr. Tulus Haryono, M.Ek., Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret (FEB UNS), during his honorary retirement oration on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

In his academic oration entitled “Building a Positive Public Service Image Based on Excellent Service in the Digital Era,” Prof. Tulus emphasized that integrity and a positive image become the essential foundation for public servants in delivering respectful and trustworthy public services. He stressed that cultivating a positive image is not merely about appearance but represents the moral and professional responsibility of every public servant.

“A positive image influences how others perceive and interact with us. When we work responsibly and with commitment, public trust will develop naturally,” stated Prof. Tulus.

In his presentation, Prof. Tulus outlined five effective steps in building a positive image: understanding self-perception, improving communication quality, maintaining physical appearance and professionalism, recognizing personal strengths and limitations, and managing errors and setbacks wisely. He also highlighted the need for public servants to instill excellent service values—courtesy, responsiveness, and genuine care—in every interaction with the public.

Entering the digital era, Prof. Tulus highlighted that speed and efficiency in public service must be aligned with a human touch that preserves empathy. Within the education sector, the implementation of digital systems such as SIAKAD, SISTER, and communication via email, WhatsApp, and Zoom requires adherence to ethics and professional responsibility. “Technology indeed accelerates services, but it must not diminish human warmth. Public servants should continue to serve with courtesy and integrity,” he affirmed.

“I am grateful to complete this service journey well. I hope that my contribution becomes a small part of UNS’s continuous effort toward becoming a world-class university,” concluded Prof. Tulus.

The message conveyed by Prof. Tulus in this oration aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The call for a positive image, professionalism, and excellent public services reflects a commitment to transparent, ethical, and fair governance—key foundations of resilient and sustainable institutions.

A Long Journey of Service

Prof. Dr. Tulus Haryono is widely recognized as one of the architects of UNS’s quality assurance system and has played an important role in elevating institutional accreditation to the “Excellent” rating. Throughout his career, he has supervised more than 200 undergraduate students, 125 master’s students, and 50 doctoral students, authored 26 books, and published numerous scientific works. He also served as an assessor for the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT).

Appreciation from the Dean of FEB UNS

Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., expressed his respect and appreciation for Prof. Tulus’s long-standing service, acknowledging him as one of the key figures in the faculty’s development. “Prof. Tulus is not only a senior and teacher to us but also a foundational figure in FEB UNS’s progress. Many values and systems he established, particularly in quality assurance, have become essential pillars for the faculty’s advancement,” he stated.

Prof. Bhimo also highlighted that the example set by Prof. Tulus continues to inspire younger academics in upholding professionalism and academic integrity. “He taught us that working in education is not merely fulfilling duties, but an honorable form of service. That spirit is what we aim to sustain,” he added.

Chair of the UNS Council of Professors, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., also extended his appreciation, describing Prof. Tulus as a “sincere, diligent, and forward-looking” figure in serving the university.

During the ceremony organized by the UNS Council of Professors, a symbolic baton was handed over from Prof. Tulus to a younger colleague, Pram Suryanadi, S.E., M.Si., representing the continuation of   academic dedication and generational renewal.