The Journey of Derap Pena: A Future in Nuclear Fusion
Her name is Derap Pena. It’s quite unique. A physics graduate from Diponegoro University, her full name is Derap Pena Mukti Sari. While her academic achievements in the physics program were not extraordinary, what sets her apart is her keen interest in plasma physics and nuclear fusion. Together with a few of her peers, she was recommended to attend The ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion. Derap participated in this school twice:
- The 8th ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion and SOKENDAI Asian School (May 29 – June 2, 2023), Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand.
- The 9th ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion (January 15 – 19, 2024), Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT), Thailand.
Embarking on Nuclear Fusion
Derap Pena began her journey with tokamak plasma in my class. The ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion evidently sparked a special interest for her. Her thesis, titled “Study of the Phase of Hydrogen Plasma Discharge in the Tokamak Golem Reactor,” focused on tokamak plasma. This forms the basis of nuclear fusion—a concept yet to be realized in the world, involving energy from the fusion of light atomic nuclei, akin to the reactions occurring in the sun and stars. The Tokamak Golem reactor is situated in Prague, Czech Republic. Its data can be accessed online when the reactor is operational. Her interest in plasma science and technology led Derap to join the Center for Plasma Research, which we established in 2005. This research center has gained significant recognition in the field, having produced four commercial products and a spin-off business.
Entering a World-Class University
Born in Ogan Komering Ulu, South Sumatra, on February 10, 2002, Derap has always demonstrated an exceptional drive to advance. She completed her undergraduate program in 3.5 years with a remarkable thesis on a challenging and highly prospective topic. In January and February 2024, I frequently provided recommendations for Derap to apply to various universities, particularly in France. This country has become a global center for nuclear fusion research. In Southern France, Cadarache hosts Europe’s largest technology research center, where the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is located. Researchers from around the world are working on ITER, aiming to replicate the fusion reactions of the sun.
Derap’s hard work and dedication paid off when she received a letter dated June 14, 2024, from the President of Universite Paris-Saclay (UPS), confirming her acceptance. She will be joining this world-class university’s Physics Department, ranked 14th globally by QS. Overall, Universite Paris-Saclay holds the 71st position in the QS world rankings. The letter specified that she must arrive in Paris by August 29, 2024, and commence her Master’s in Physics (taught in English) on September 2, 2024. Notably, Derap’s education will be fully funded by the French government through the Bourse Gouvernement de la France (BGF). In 2022, physicist Alain Aspect, a faculty member at UPS, won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on Quantum Entanglement. This achievement underscores the growing recognition of Diponegoro University’s Physics graduates by prestigious institutions.
Opportunities for Diponegoro University’s Faculty of Science and Mathematics
Derap Pena Mukti Sari’s acceptance at Universite Paris-Saclay brings renewed and invigorating energy to the Physics Department at Diponegoro University. One of its graduates being admitted to a top-tier global university, especially in a Physics Department ranked 14th worldwide, opens doors for collaboration. Such partnerships can enhance the university’s performance indicators. Opportunities, no matter how small, should be gratefully embraced and carefully nurtured for the benefit of all, including the nation. As her mentor, I ask for prayers from the academic community for Derap’s success at UPS. She is on her way to becoming a meaningful contributor to science and humanity. It is fitting that the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Diponegoro University proudly displays the slogan at the entrance of the campus: Discover, Manage, and Give the Best.
Muhammad Nur, Semarang, July 6, 202
Note: Muhammad Nur “Derap Pena is on her way to becoming a meaningful contributor to science and humanity. It is fitting that the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Diponegoro University proudly displays the slogan at the entrance of the campus: Discover, Manage, and Give the Best.”
