Indonesian railwayman makes history

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