Interview

How did you find out about Tokushima University and why did you decide to enroll in Tokushima University?

In 1989, the late Prof. Naoyuki Matsumoto, Removable Prosthodontics at Tokushima University, was unexpectedly contacted by Dr. I Gede Winasa Kesama, Dean of Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar (UMD), with the hopes of inviting him to visit UMD. Subsequently, Prof. Emeritus Matsumoto and Prof. Emeritus Masaru Nagayama, from the Department of Oral Surgery, visited UMD in September, 1990. In their meeting, Dr. Kesama asked them to accommodate me, lecturer of UMD, as a visiting researcher at Tokushima University. Prof. Emeritus Matsumoto procured a Tokushima Prefecture Technical Trainees Scholarship for me and accepted me for ten months in 1991. Since I hoped to further pursue graduate studies, Prof. Emeritus Matsumoto tried to apply and procure a Japanese Government Scholarship. Finally, I became the first Indonesian graduate student at Tokushima University Graduate School of Oral Science in April, 1993. (Journal of Oral Health and Biosciences　32（２）：41 ～ 47，2020)

Dr. Rudi Wigianto at the AWA Dental Clinic

How did you prepare for the entrance exam to Tokushima University?

Prof. Naoyuki Matsumoto assisted with a research proposal for Ph.D. Degree Program. I followed instructions from all teachers to work on several research projects then finally Prof. Tetsuo Ichikawa assisted me for Ph.D. Degree thesis. 

One of the best memories of Dr. Rudi Wigianto (left) with Prof. Emr. Tetsuo Ichikawa in 1992,
he finished a first term stay in Tokushima as Tokushima-ken Kensyusei.
This starting point his close relationship with Prof. Emr. Tetsuo Ichikawa up to now.
Created many historical activities in academic cooperation between Tokushima University with some Dental Faculties in Indonesia.

What kind of research did you do while you were enrolled at Tokushima University? Could you please share any difficulties you faced in your research? Also, when you had difficulties, how did you overcome them?

Dental Implantology. The first difficulty is language since I must learn English and Japanese. I am making many Japanese friends to train my Japanese language. Difficulty in research is not so many since my teachers always help me.

Please tell us about your memories of Tokushima and Tokushima University during your stay.

I never dance in my country but just arrived in Tokushima I must do Awa Odori dance as Tokushima-ken no Kensyusei groups, so its first time do dance in the street. Another best memory is of my son and grandson who were born in Tokushima. Tokushima feels like my second hometown. 
Good memory at Tokushima University: played role in initiating academic cooperation between Tokushima University with some dental school in Indonesia.

What was your impression of Tokushima and Japan?

Tokushima is quiet city have atmosphere for study, and warm people to foreign students. 

To the extent that you don't mind, could you please share with us the details of your current job?

1. Maintain and owner of AWA Dental Clinic, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

2. CEO Presisi Auto Medika Corp. (Manufacturer of Dental Magnetic Attachment in collaboration with MagneDesign Japan)

3. Member of Dental Magnetic Research Project (DMRP)

4. Vice President of International College of Dentist (ICD) Section XVI, Indonesia

5. Vice President Tokushima University Indonesia Alumni Association

Please give a message to those who will be enrolling at Tokushima University and those who are considering enrolling.

When we study abroad, not only to study to get higher degree but its good chance to learn about local culture. Understanding local culture is important to build good relationships with community both in university and neighborhood. Therefore, graduation is not just getting degrees but also being culture ambassador between countries.  

 Families of Dr. Rudi Wigianto (far right) have experienced at Tokushima University in some academic program activities
mostly assisted by Prof. Emr. Tetsuo Ichikawa (third from the right).