Denpasar, baliwakenews.com
Some people assume that a professor knows everything — the pinnacle of all knowledge — and therefore no longer needs to learn new things. However, that assumption does not apply to Prof. Dr. Ni Putu Tirka Widanti, MM., M.Hum.
On the contrary, since her inauguration as a Professor of Public Policy at Ngurah Rai University (UNR) Denpasar two years ago, Tirka Widanti has felt an even greater need to keep learning.
Holding the title of professor is a unique challenge for her, although it’s undeniable that every lecturer aspires to reach that summit to fulfill their dedication to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
Recently, Tirka Widanti specifically studied telematics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) directly from the expert himself, Prof. Dr. Ir. Richardus Eko Indrajit, M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Phil., M.A., during the 8th Annual Convention of SPK Indonesia in Bandung, West Java.
“In terms of age, Prof. Eko Indrajit is two years younger than I am. But in the field of information technology, I am nothing compared to him. I am delighted to be his student,” said Tirka Widanti, Thursday 9 October 2025.
Eko Indrajit is known as a leading Indonesian educator and information technology expert who currently serves as the Rector of Pradita University. His experience and achievements are widely recognized, with multiple degrees from prestigious universities abroad and an impressive professional track record.
The new insights gained from the meeting in Bandung were very valuable for Tirka Widanti, particularly for the development of UNR. Not stopping there, as Rector, she plans to invite Eko Indrajit to UNR to share his expertise in the field of AI.
She practices humble leadership wherever she serves — including at Green School and within her own family. A humble attitude, she believes, can prevent one from arrogance or “nyapa kadi aku” in Balinese philosophy.
“I know my abilities are limited — I may be sharp in one field, but if I were to debate about building construction, I could easily lose to a first-semester civil engineering student,” said Tirka Widanti with a laugh.
She continuously nurtures her thirst for knowledge and never hesitates to learn from security guards, staff members, or even young children. For her, knowledge is vast and unlimited. No leader can master all fields of science. Therefore, becoming a wise leader is the most realistic and meaningful choice.
She added that humility is essential for leaders because it increases employee engagement and performance, fosters trust and a positive work culture, encourages growth and learning, and helps leaders appreciate the contributions of others.
Research also shows that humble leaders are better able to build trust, empower teams, and manage complexity in the workplace, resulting in more effective organizations. Humble leaders tend to be fair, empathetic, and willing to listen to their employees. As a result, employees are more comfortable expressing ideas, thoughts, and challenges they encounter at work.
Humility, she concluded, is not only important for leaders but for everyone. One of its key benefits is preventing arrogance — an attitude that can harm both oneself and others. BWN-03
