Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., and President of Kochi University of Technology (KUT), Japan, Prof. Masahiko Isobe, D.Eng., signed a cooperation agreement in the academic field on Tuesday (10/16) in UGM Conference Room.
The cooperation includes exchange programs for students, staff, and lecturers, as well as collaborative research. Additionally, there are academic and research information exchanges, publications, scientific expertise, seminars, conferences, and joint symposiums.
Masahiko Isobe expressed his gratitude to UGM for willing to collaborate with Kochi University of Technology. According to Isobe, it is a great opportunity to make a joint agreement with UGM as the leading university in Indonesia.
He explained that KUT was originally established in 1997 as a private university. Then, the status changed to a public university in 2009.
“This academic cooperation is hoped to provide benefits to KUT and UGM, as well as expand cooperation in other fields in the future.”
On this occasion, he also expressed his concern for the earthquake and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi. Japan and Indonesia, he said, have many similarities as an archipelago with long coastlines and similar background related to tectonic disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
“Japan and Indonesia have much in common. Hopefully, this collaboration will be able to provide solutions to the nation’s problems.”
The UGM Rector thanked KUT for their concern for the disaster victims in Palu. He also hoped that collaboration between UGM and KUT will be carried out well, so it can be useful not only for the two universities but also contribute to the nation and the country.
Panut said Japan and Indonesia have very strong cooperation ties. Moreover, both countries also have similarities as disaster-prone countries. Therefore, Indonesia needs to learn much from Japan in dealing with natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.
“Science and technology developments in Japan are extraordinary. Hopefully, Indonesia and UGM can learn from Japan about it.”
Peanut explained UGM has abundant research in various fields. The cooperation with KUT is expected to improve UGM research, establish joint degree master programs, and joint seminars to strengthen the quality of education.
“Hopefully, the community prosperity and welfare can be achieved soon with a strong collaboration between UGM and KUT,” he concluded.