The researches that have been conducted have to be implemented in the society. That is one underlined point in the remarks given by Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D , during a study visit to Baron Techno Park (BTP) along with Governor of Province of Yogyakarta Special Region, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Thursday (12/03). On that occasion, also present were Ir. Budi Antoni, M.Si, the regent of Gunung Kidul, and Dr. Ir. Unggul Priyanto, M. Sc., the head of Agency of Assessment and Application of Technology.
The Governor was doing an evaluation of the construction site of Baron Techno Park. Baron Techno Park is an assessment and renewable energy power plants training area which is also an recreational and informative educational facility. BTP was initially funded by NORAD- Norway 2009, but, after the funding stopped, the construction is postponed.
Unggul Priyanto explained that the development of BTP in the next four years includes Agro Techno Park, homestay, and Baron Beach Tourism Attraction. Responding to the explanation, Sri Sultan said that BTP has to play role on the social welfare. To support that, the government will fund the native people to build their houses for homestay. The construction was also expected to give easier road access for people around the facility. Sri Sultan asked UGM to become partner of BPPT to do some researches and implement them in the community.
Dwikorita said that the commitments of UGM are to take part on social-economic development through education, researches, the development of sciences and technology and social services. “We are preparing a masterplan and economic feasibility study for southern area of the province. Economic feasibility study is very important to guarantee the sustainable and the self-reliant of the program that we prepare.” There are two researches that have been developed by UGM and soon will be implemented in the community, which are micro-algae biodiesel and lobster and grouper cultivation.
After a discussion with the representatives of related-departments and the head of village, the group visited the facility. From there, Dwikorita and Sri Sultan went to Amaryllis Garden in Pathuk, Gunung Kidul. They talked to Sukadi, the owner of the garden, about the management plan of his garden as a center of Amaryllis nursery so the program could be developed in the other locations on the Pathuk area as well and become the icon of Pathuk.