YOGYAKARTA – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT BRI (Persero) Tbk establish cooperation in the field of service utilization of products, services, and banking instruments as well as education. The signing of the cooperation was conducted by UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., and Director of Network and Service of BRI, Suprajarto, Wednesday (23/3). One form of cooperation has been manifested in the form of construction of stall for cow’s colony for breeders affected by Merapi eruption at Sabrang Wetan Hamlet, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan, Sleman regency.
Suprajarto said the signing of this MoU actually has been long awaited by the BRI. This is an initial step in building closer partnership cooperation. "In addition to cooperation in the service of banking activities, we also work together for CSR in giving assistance of making cow stalls for breeders affected by Merapi disaster," said Suprajarto.
The stalls establishment for breeders, members of Makmur Sarono Cooperation, serves as a form of BRI’s program in helping the affected communities. This is in accordance with BRI’s commitment to continue helping the common people. "BRI was established for common people. Nearly 80 percent of our credit is allocated to SMEs," he said.
According to Suprajarto, loan to SMEs disbursed by BRI in almost all corners of the countryside is expected to move the real sector. In addition to loan disbursement, he said that BRI has now 7000 electronic channel facilities or e-channels throughout Indonesia. "Everything is on line. This year end, we are targeting the number of e-channels to reach 10 thousand," he said.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., welcomed the implementation of cooperation with BRI. According to Sudjarwadi, both sides have the same orientation to the interests and prosperity of society. "I think this is a very good cooperation to achieve an equitable welfare of society," he said.
The Rector announced the current average per capita income of Indonesian society has just reached 3,000 USD per year. With the potential that exists, real income per capita could be increased to be larger, becoming 7000-10000 USD. However, it is not easy to relaize because it all depends on the level of education and employment. "It is fully the responsibility of educational institutions," he said.
The Rector also criticized of the additional value of products of natural resources that currently are more widely used by other countries. In fact, the additional value is very important to control the world trade market network. "If every regency is able to control the world market trade network, our community will be more prosperous," he said.