Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the local government of Balangan Regency in South Kalimantan establish cooperation implementing university’s mission to improve resources. The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was conducted by Balangan Regent, Ir. Sefek Effendie, M.E., and UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng.,Ph.D, Thursday (25/2), at UGM Main Office.
Prof. Sudjarwadi welcomed the initiative and MoU signing. According to the Rector, this cooperation can help UGM in accelerating national development. He added that the cooperation would help UGM to improve its contribution in national development. “UGM intensively runs the cooperation with regional governments to help development there in this era of autonomy,†he explained.
The Rector said that the initial cooperation with Balangan Regency is hoped to improve the local people by giving opportunities to the young generation. “The application of science from various disciplines that we have can make comprehensive partnership.†he explained. Regent Ir. Sefek Effendie, M.E said that the cooperation with UGM is directed to develop all sectors in Balangan. “We have already developed programs in infrastructure, human resources, and the economy,†he promoted.
The Regent said that Balangan has natural resources such as coal mining and rubber plantation that can support the region's economy. “We hope these resources will not go into extinction so we need UGM's cooperation in applied technology and science,†he said.