In Memory of Prof. Tjia May On

With deep sadness I heard about the passing away of my dear former colleague Prof. Dr. M.O. Tjia, Pak May On Tjia. During the years of our cooperation in various projects his attitude inspired me due to his enthusiasm about a lot of topics in optics, as well as politics and other aspects of human life. A true friend, who was an enrichment for my life, passed away; I will really mis him.(Hugo Hoekstra, Hengelo, formerly at University of Twente, The Netherlands)

For me it was a pleasure to have met him. And, I guess, without his initiative to start ISMOA, I would not have been visiting ITB at all. It is a pity that the last few months in his life were so much disturbed by medical complications. His precious and long life will offer some comfort to those who mourn about his passing away. He is one of the persons in my professional life, that I will not forget. (Theo Valkering, formerly at University of Twente, The Netherlands)

This is such a great loss for Indonesia’s physics community. The late Prof. Tjia May On has contributed so much for the nation’s progress in physics education, research, writings, and innovations. Prof. Tjia has been one of the role models for many younger physicists in Indonesia. I also had the chance to learn from his writing via his book “Gelombang” right before my departure to the US. My deepest condolences to his family, his students, and his academic family in ITB and UI. Our deepest respect and gratitute for Prof. Tjia’s wonderful and committed careers in physics, education, and mentoring in Indonesia. (Nelson Tansu, Lehigh University)

Pak Tjia sudah begitu baik membukakan jalan bagi saya dan teman-teman yang lain untuk bisa belajar lebih lanjut di luar negeri. Pak Tjia juga memberikan inspirasi untuk punya integritas dalam perkerjaan dan dedikasi untuk membantu orang lain. Vale Pak Tjia, terima kasih untuk semua jasa-jasa Bapak. Tuhan berkati dan berikan kekuatan untuk Ibu Tjia dan keluarga yang ditinggalkan. (David Marpaung, University of Twente)

Prof. Tjia May On gave lots of thoughts when he supervised me for undergrad thesis back twenty years ago. Back then, he always said “Read between the lines”. It took me for a long time until I understand the use of those powerful words. I am also thankful for his supervising times. He managed to meet me at his home for a discussion about my undergrad thesis (at that time, he had lots of master and Phd students and so he did not have so much times for bachelor’s undergrad thesis). He also motivated me as he told some stories about his friendship with my late father back there at ICTP Italy in the early 70’s. In the end, Prof. Tjia has been my mentor in life and science. Now, I hope that you have a rest in peace in the heaven and may God bless all his family. Let us, your former students, bring the legacy on your research path (Danang Birowosuto, CNRS-NTU-Thales, Singapore).

May Prof. May-On Tjia rest in peace. He was not only one of the best scientist but also one of the best teacher in Indonesia. He introduced me to the world of optics; and his enthusiasm in Physics inspired me to pursue studies in Europe. (Wildan Abdussalam, Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf)

Saya ingat dulu ketika saya ikut seminar ISMOA di Bandung, kalau Pak Tjia bicara semua audience langsung memperhatikan, ada juga prof-prof dari luar negri, biasanya mereka sambil mendengarkan seminar juga bekerja di laptop masing masing, mereka semua langsung berhenti bekerja dan mendengarkan Pak Tjia bicara. Sebegitu power full-nya seorang Pak Tjia. Akhirnya saya berkesimpulan Pak Tjia dihormati dan dihargai oleh semua orang, karena sikap dan dedikasi Pak Tjia. Sewaktu masuk RS Medistra pada bulan Juli 2019 saya sempat bertemu dengan beliau, semangat hidupnya tinggi, bahkan saat sakit dan dirawat di RS masih periksa skripsi mahasiswa/i nya, masih memberi saran kpd juniornya tentang penelitian yang dilakukan. Semua dilakukan dengan sepenuh hati. Pak Tjia orang hebat yang tidak pernah merasa dirinya hebat, selalu humble dan mendorong yang muda untuk maju. Selain itu semua mahasiswa/i bimbingannya dibukakan jalan untuk mendapat beasiswa di luar negri untuk sekolah S2 bahkan sampai S3. Bagi saya Pak Tjia adalah guru dan panutan. Selamat jalan Pak Tjia, Tuhan berkati dan berikan kekuatan untuk Ibu Tjia dan keluarga yang ditinggalkan. (Lina Cahyadi, Universitas Pelita Harapan)

I was lucky to have been taught by Pak Tjia during my master study in UI. He taught us not only on the sciences, but the philosophy behind all those difficult equations of electromagnetics. He was humble, full of dedication, and urged us to always well behave, think of contribution to the scientific community and to our country. I will not be me of today without his advises and the opportunities brought by his network (Henri Uranus, Univ. Pelita Harapan)

Saya mengenal Prof. Tjia ketika dibimbing oleh Pak Alex untuk skripsi S1 saya. Saya terkesan dengan kesederhanaan Pak Tjia dan kesabaran beliau dalam memberikan saran-saran untuk penelitian saya. Dia turut menjadi salah satu motivasi bagi saya untuk melanjutkan studi pascasarjana hingga akhirnya menggeluti bidang semikonduktor saat ini. Selamat jalan, Pak Tjia! (Prayudi Lianto, Applied Materials, Singapore)