Indonesian railwayman makes history

Dr. Julison Arifin (shown with daughter Ovi) has become the first employee of state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to be awarded the title doctor of philosophy (PhD) at an overseas university.

He received his award at a ceremony on Jan. 13 from the university chancellor. He has also become the first employee to obtain an MSc or PhD in railway science.

Originally, he received a British Chevening Award to study in the UK for his Master's degree; having gained it, Dr. Arifin went on to gain his PhD from the school of engineering at Sheffield University, the UK, in November 2004.

Julison is now back in Bandung with KAI as head of its long- term planning subdivision and looking forward to putting into practice some of the knowledge he has been able to accumulate.

His wife, Evi, and children accompanied him during his extended period of study. During that time, his eldest daughter, Ovi, was able to take advantage of her father's stay in the UK to gain a BSc in architecture and environmental studies.

She is currently in her work experience year in the UK with local government and hopes she will be able to emulate her father in gaining her Master's degree.

Who knows, there could even be a second PhD in the family in years to come! --JP