Before pursuing her doctoral studies, Endiah completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Diponegoro University and her master’s degree in Nuclear Energy Engineering at ITB. She was directly involved in the commissioning process of the G.A. Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor in the late 1980s with the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), a stage dedicated to testing and proving that the reactor could operate according to its design specifications.

The opportunity to continue her doctoral studies came after BATAN merged with BRIN. Despite being 62 years old, Endiah decided to seize the opportunity and return to ITB as a student. She emphasized that her decision to pursue a doctoral degree stemmed from a long-held aspiration that had remained unfinished for decades.

“Opportunities are like clouds. When they pass in front of us, we must reach for them,” she said.

Pursuing a Doctoral Degree at the Age of 62

During the doctoral admission process, Endiah had to fulfill all academic requirements like any other student, from the Academic Potential Test (TPA) to the English proficiency test. According to her, there was no special treatment despite her age.

“At 62, I still had to pass the TPA and TOEFL. It became proof to myself that I was still cognitively capable of learning,” she explained.

She admitted that the greatest challenge during her doctoral studies was not the age gap with other students, but rather maintaining a consistent learning rhythm and managing stress. Therefore, she disciplined herself in time management and avoided last-minute study habits.

“When we are younger, staying up all night to finish assignments might still work. But at my age, it can cause stress and health problems. Everything must be prepared well in advance,” she said.

Dissertation on Reactor Aging Management

Her dissertation focused on developing an aging management program through a maintenance information system for the G.A. Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor. The research explored how maintenance and documentation systems could help extend the operational life of research reactors safely and optimally.

According to Endiah, Indonesia possesses high-capacity research reactors that require long-term management to ensure sustainable operation.

“I hope future generations will understand the reactor’s maintenance history, component conditions, and repair procedures so that the reactor can continue operating safely,” she explained.

In addition to completing her doctoral studies, Endiah is currently involved as a principal investigator in an international research project on reactor aging management in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Maintaining Balance Between Academic and Personal Life

Amid her responsibilities as both a researcher and doctoral student, Endiah strives to maintain a balanced life. She enjoys traveling with friends, participating in social activities within her community, and regularly engaging in light exercise.

“Life must be balanced. We should not focus only on studying while forgetting to enjoy life,” she said.

During her academic journey, Endiah also learned greatly from ITB’s culture of discussion and academic exchange. She often attended seminars and dissertation defenses conducted by other students to broaden her perspective and observe how lecturers deeply analyzed scientific issues.

“Something that seems simple can become highly scientific because of the lecturers’ profound insights,” she stated.

The person who inspired her the most in life was her mother. According to Endiah, her mother always emphasized the importance of education from an early age, values that she continues to uphold today.

The Meaning of a Doctoral Degree and a Message for Young Generations

For Endiah, earning a doctoral degree later in life carries a different meaning compared to achieving it at a younger age. While academic degrees are often associated with career advancement during youth, at this stage of her life, the doctorate symbolizes personal achievement and the completion of a long life journey.

“This doctoral degree proves that I am still capable of growing and learning. It gives me strong self-confidence and a deeper sense of accomplishment,” she said.

She also believes that learning is a lifelong process. According to her, education is not limited to formal institutions, but also comes through everyday experiences and activities.

“As long as we can still think, read, and write, it means we can still continue to grow,” she remarked.

To younger generations, especially women, Endiah encouraged them to pursue the highest level of education possible while opportunities are still open.

“Pursue the highest education possible while you are still young, so that you can achieve even greater opportunities,” she concluded.

Reporter: Merryta Kusumawati (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, 2025)