The Universitas Indonesia (UI) has inaugurated Prof. Ir. Ahmad Indra Siswantara, Ph.D., as a full professor in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) at the Faculty of Engineering (FT) on Wednesday (5/3) at Balai Sidang, UI Depok Campus. During the inauguration ceremony, led by UI Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., Prof. Ahmad delivered his inaugural speech titled “DAI5-CFD as a Scientific Pathway to Ultimate Reality: Allah, The Almighty, The Creator of All.”
In his speech, Prof. Ahmad highlighted how science and faith can complement and guide humanity in discovering the ultimate truth. He stated that true knowledge cannot be separated from faith. Faith instils an awareness that there is order in the universe, that every phenomenon studied has a cause and purpose, and that the laws of physics do not stand alone but are part of a more excellent system established by the Creator.
Thus, he introduced the concept of DAI5 CFD, an approach that integrates deep scientific thinking with awareness of the existence and order created by Allah, The Almighty, The Creator of All. “DAI5, which stands for Deep Awareness of I, Intention, Initial Thinking (about the problem), Idealization, and Instruction-Set, is a framework I developed to ensure that every problem-solving process in science, particularly in CFD, is not only technically results-oriented but also deeply conscious of the meaning and purpose of knowledge itself,” stated Prof. Ahmad.
Furthermore, he explained that DAI5 consists of five interconnected key steps. The first step is Deep Awareness of I, which involves recognizing who we are in the context of seeking knowledge. We are not merely individuals processing data and equations but humans aware of the universe’s order. The second step is Intention, where the pursuit of knowledge must have a righteous purpose—to understand nature and derive benefits from it, rather than merely chasing achievements or directionless technology.
The next step is Initial Thinking, where before performing calculations and simulations, one must thoroughly understand the problem, identify its fundamental principles, and ensure that the approach aligns with the natural laws set by the Creator. The fourth step, Idealization, involves building realistic models and assumptions that are not only scientifically accurate but also consider sustainability, ethics, and the broader impact of the developed knowledge.
Finally, Prof. Ahmad mentioned the Instruction Set, where solutions are executed with maintained awareness and responsibility, ensuring that the knowledge generated benefits not only oneself but also society and the world at large. He emphasized that through DAI5 CFD, humans can develop better scientific solutions while ensuring that knowledge carries a deeper meaning and higher purpose.
“I want to emphasize that true knowledge is not just about explaining phenomena but also about bringing us closer to understanding ultimate reality. DAI5 CFD is an effort to integrate science and faith so that we do not merely become intelligent scientists but also scientists with awareness and responsibility,” stated Prof. Ahmad, affectionately known as Prof. DAI.
Prof. DAI is a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at FTUI with expertise in CFD, energy conversion, and numerical methods. Throughout his career, he has contributed to various research projects focusing on fluid flow modelling, energy system optimization, and the application of sustainable energy technology. As a prolific academic, Prof. DAI has published several papers that significantly contribute to the field of CFD.
Some of his research includes numerical analysis of fluid flow in wind and water turbines, pyrolysis reactors, and fluid catalytic cracking. His publications and research continue to impact technological development and energy sustainability positively. Prof. DAI is also developing CFD-AI, an innovative approach combining CFD with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to model and predict fluid flow behaviour more accurately and efficiently.
Moreover, to support the transition to sustainable energy, he is involved in developing renewable energy technologies through the design of a Mobile Refinery Power Plant prototype, which utilizes biomass as raw material to produce biofuel. This innovation is expected to be a more efficient and environmentally friendly renewable energy solution.
Before being inaugurated as UI’s 21st Professor in 2025, Prof. DAI completed his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at FTUI in 1991. Later, in 1997, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His inauguration ceremony was also attended by Dr. Ing. M. Agoes Moelyadi, S.T., M.Sc., a permanent lecturer at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, ITB.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
