Kaharuddin Inaugurated as Hasanuddin University Professor of Phonology, Highlights Bugis–Makassar Phoneme Correspondence
MAKASSAR — Prof. Drs. Kaharuddin, M.Hum., Ph.D. was officially inaugurated as Professor of Phonology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FCS), Hasanuddin University (Unhas). The inauguration took place during the Limited Academic Senate Plenary Meeting for the Professorial Inauguration Ceremony at the Academic Senate Hall, 2nd Floor of the Rectorate Building, Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Friday (17 July).
On the same occasion, Hasanuddin University also inaugurated three other professors: Prof. Drs. Darwis, M.A., Ph.D. as Professor of Indonesian Foreign Policy at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP); Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, M.A. as Professor of Public Management; and Prof. Dr. Mohamad Tahir Haning, M.Si. as Professor of Development Administration. The latter two are also from FISIP.
In his inaugural lecture, titled "Phoneme Correspondence in Bugis and Makassar Languages," Prof. Kaharuddin emphasized the crucial role of phonology in understanding the sound system of language, including sound patterns, syllable structure, stress, intonation, and sound changes across languages and dialects.
He explained that phonological studies serve not only as a foundation for understanding language systems but also contribute to language technology development, language education, documentation, and the preservation of regional languages.
Through his research, Prof. Kaharuddin identified systematic phoneme correspondences between the Bugis and Makassar languages in word-initial, medial, and final positions.
"These phoneme correspondences are not coincidental; they are governed by sound laws operating within the Bugis–Makassar languages," Prof. Kaharuddin explained.
One of his key findings is the systematic correspondence in which the Bugis phoneme /ɔ/ changes to /a/ in Makassar across a number of words sharing the same meaning. This finding enriches the field of phonological studies while strengthening efforts to document and preserve Indonesia's regional languages as part of the nation's cultural heritage.
Prof. Kaharuddin is a linguist and academic at Hasanuddin University whose expertise lies in phonology, particularly the sound systems of South Sulawesi's regional languages. Born in Pangkajene and Islands (Pangkep), South Sulawesi, on 31 December 1964, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Indonesian Language from Hasanuddin University in 1989 and his Master of Humanities (M.Hum.) in Indonesian Language from the same university in 2003.
He later pursued doctoral studies in Malay Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), where he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 2016. His appointment as professor reflects his long-standing contribution to phonological research and the study of Indonesia's regional languages.
Three Other Professors Present Research Findings
In addition to Prof. Kaharuddin, the three newly inaugurated professors also presented their research during the ceremony.
Prof. Darwis delivered a lecture entitled "Recalibrating Indonesia's Foreign Policy in ASEAN amid Indo-Pacific Geopolitical and Geostrategic Dynamics: A Regional Security Complex and Neoclassical Realism Perspective." He argued that shifts in the global geopolitical landscape require Indonesia to recalibrate its diplomatic strategy while maintaining ASEAN as the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, in his lecture "Organizational Restructuring: Towards an Adaptive Public Bureaucracy," emphasized the need for public institutions to strengthen human resources, accelerate digital transformation, decentralize authority, and promote multi-stakeholder collaboration to build an adaptive, transparent, and accountable bureaucracy.
Prof. Mohamad Tahir Haning, through his lecture "Building Public Trust in Government Policies through Bureaucratic Reform in Indonesia," highlighted that bureaucratic reform should reinforce integrity, transparency, accountability, and public participation in order to strengthen trust in government policies and support sustainable national development.
Rector Calls Professors Drivers of Innovation
Following the inauguration ceremony, Hasanuddin University Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., underscored the strategic role of professors as drivers of research, innovation, and scientific collaboration in addressing global challenges, including geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and sustainable development.
According to the Rector, widely known as Prof. JJ, universities must move beyond academic productivity and ensure that research generates tangible benefits for society.
"Efficiency is important, but effectiveness in achieving our goals is even more important," said Prof. JJ.
He noted that Hasanuddin University occupies a strategic position as a leading knowledge institution in Eastern Indonesia. The university's emblem, inspired by the
"Rooster of the East," symbolizes leadership, courage, and the commitment to driving transformation through science, research, and innovation.
Prof. JJ also stressed the importance of strengthening science diplomacy through international academic collaboration. He explained that scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation have become key determinants of national competitiveness in today's evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape.
He encouraged the newly inaugurated professors to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in producing research that informs strategic policymaking and delivers meaningful benefits to society.
"Hasanuddin University must continue to serve as a pillar of innovation, economic development, and geopolitical engagement through impactful research and science diplomacy," he concluded.