Head of Sumenep’s Bappeda, Arif Firmanto, Confirmed as ASEAN Engineer

SUMENEP, MaduraExpose.com — In a remarkable development for Sumenep Regency, Dr. Ir. Arif Firmanto, the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), has been officially conferred with the distinguished title of ASEAN Engineer (ASEAN Eng.). The recognition was bestowed upon him by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) during a Governing Board Meeting held in Da Nang, Vietnam, on August 8, 2025.

The ASEAN Eng. title is an esteemed professional credential granted to individuals who have met the stringent professional engineering standards established by the AFEO Council. By securing this recognition, Dr. Firmanto is now formally acknowledged as a member of the leading engineering community in Southeast Asia. This prestigious accomplishment entitles him to append the full professional title: Dr. Ir. Arif Firmanto, S.TP., M.Si., IPU., ASEAN Eng.

In an interview, Dr. Firmanto expressed his gratitude for the achievement, stating that it represents more than a personal milestone. “This is not merely an achievement in my personal journey. Rather, it is a significant responsibility to implement sustainable regional development planning that will positively impact the progress of Sumenep,” he said. He further urged the younger generation to continually enhance their professional competencies from a regional to an international level.

The former Head of the Sumenep Food Security and Agriculture Office underscored the importance of continuous learning and global networking. “I encourage all individuals, especially the youth, to never cease seeking knowledge, expanding their networks, and contributing to development, no matter how small the role may be,” he added.

Dr. Ir. Ivan Gunawan, S.T., M.MT., CSCM., IPM., ASEAN Eng., a lecturer from the Industrial Engineering Study Program at Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya, extended his congratulations to Dr. Firmanto. “This title is a tangible testament to Dr. Firmanto’s dedication, integrity, and immense contributions to the field of engineering. It validates his professional reputation on the international stage,” Dr. Gunawan stated, expressing hope that this achievement will inspire many young Indonesian engineers.

The ASEAN Eng. title is a professional accreditation, not solely an academic one, and remains valid as long as the recipient is professionally active and registered as a member of the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII).