UNS – The Central Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jateng) has officially partnered with 44 regional public and private universities. This partnership includes Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. This initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of Governor Ahmad Luthfi’s strategic programs.
Cooperation Agreement Signing at Central Java Governor’s Office
On Monday (17/3/2025), Governor Ahmad Luthfi personally signed the cooperation agreement. The signing took place alongside dozens of university rectors at Grhadika Bhakti Praja, the Central Java Governor’s Office in Semarang.
Governor Luthfi emphasized that this collaboration seeks to optimize the roles of the government and universities. The partnership will focus on education, research, and community service to drive regional development.
“This agreement aims to maximize the potential of Pemprov Jateng and universities. It also seeks to strengthen the synergy of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. This is part of our commitment to regional progress,” Luthfi explained.
He also highlighted the importance of active involvement from universities beyond formal agreements.
“This partnership should go beyond signing MoUs. We urge universities to take an active role in developing Central Java for long-term progress,” he added.
Expanding University Involvement in Regional Programs
In recent years, regional development efforts have focused on collaboration between central and local governments. However, the new initiative includes academic institutions to strengthen the synergy.
Governor Luthfi noted that academics have been supporting government programs for the past five years. Moving forward, their role will become even more significant.
University rectors and their teams across Central Java will monitor several key programs. This cooperation goes beyond MoUs, as universities actively engage in thematic partnerships to oversee various initiatives. It includes:
- Village development and rural potential mapping
- Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Desalination projects to provide fresh water for coastal communities
“Academic institutions in our region will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of these development programs,” Luthfi stated.
Immediate Actions: Community Service Programs and Desalination Initiatives
In the short term, universities will implement thematic Community Service Programs (KKN) in villages across Central Java. Additionally, desalination projects will help coastal communities facing freshwater shortages.
Governor Luthfi hopes that KKN programs will evolve beyond academic requirements. He envisions students actively contributing to village development by establishing:
- Fostered villages (desa binaan)
- Strengthened villages (desa kuat)
- Monitored villages (desa pantauan)
“With student involvement, villages will develop according to their unique potentials,” he added.
UNS Commitment to Education and Innovation
UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr. M.Si., welcomed Pemprov Jateng’s initiative. He highlighted the importance of categorizing universities based on their areas of expertise.
“UNS fully commits to supporting the provincial government’s programs. We aim to enhance education quality, foster innovation, and address regional challenges through research and community service,” Prof. Hartono stated.
Strengthening Synergy for Sustainable Development
Through the memorandum of understanding, university rectors have pledged to enhance cooperation in education, research, and technological innovation. This agreement aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. It also aims to create a conducive environment for regional economic growth.
Additionally, the Regional Secretary of Central Java signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) with representatives from 44 universities. The signatories included Vice Rectors, Deans, and Heads of Research and Community Service Institutes (LPPM).
Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Information, represented UNS in signing the agreement. He signed it alongside Sumarno, the Regional Secretary of Central Java.
Furthermore, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) at UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Wahyudi Sutopo, S.T., M.Si., IPU, signed another agreement. He signed it alongside Irianto Harko Saputra, Interim President Director of Bank Jateng.
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