The University of Indonesia (UI) and Muhammadiyah University (UM) of Sorong have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening networks in education, research, and community service, particularly in Eastern Indonesia, a region with great potential for developing human resources (HR) and local innovations.
This commitment was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday (October 2) at the UM Sorong campus in Southwest Papua. The ceremony was attended by the Rector of UM Sorong, Dr. H. Muhammad Ali, M.M., M.H., and representatives from UI, including the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., along with several members of the Indonesian Engineering Deans Forum (FDTI).
In his remarks, Prof. Kemas stated that the collaboration demonstrates UI’s, particularly the Faculty of Engineering’s, strong commitment to expanding the role of higher education in building academic capacity across Indonesia. “This partnership not only strengthens ties between universities but also fosters a spirit of collaboration to produce research and innovation that benefits society, especially in Eastern Indonesia,” said Prof. Kemas.
The MoU, signed by UI Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, and UM Sorong Rector Dr. H. Muhammad Ali, outlines both universities’ agreement to collaborate in several strategic areas, including faculty and student exchange, joint research, human resource development, as well as organizing joint seminars and training programs.
The UI Faculty of Engineering will play an active role in facilitating the implementation of this collaboration. Several potential programs are being explored, including joint engineering research addressing coastal environmental challenges in West Papua, the development of innovative technology, and community service projects that leverage technological advancements.
According to Prof. Kemas, the collaboration also reflects UI’s vision to build an inclusive and sustainable higher education ecosystem. “We want to ensure that UI’s academic excellence can be felt more broadly. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen educational and research capacity in Eastern Indonesia while opening up wider interregional collaboration opportunities,” added Prof. Kemas.
Meanwhile, Dr. H. Muhammad Ali expressed his appreciation for UI’s initiative in establishing this strategic partnership. He emphasized the importance of synergy among universities to promote equitable and progressive education for the nation’s development.
The collaboration will span five years and will be followed by technical cooperation agreements between faculties and work units. Through this partnership, UI reinforces its position as a national university committed to building cross-regional collaborations to advance impactful education, research, and community service across Indonesia.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
