YOGYAKARTA – Universitas Gadjah Mada and University of Hawai’i from the U.S. have established cooperation in disaster mitigation through double degree programme, joint research and exchange programme, followed by earth science, social science and humanities in the future. Thus was stated by Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., when receiving the visit made by President of University of Hawai’i, Dr. Greenwood, and Profesor from College of Education, University of Hawai’i, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng.
“UGM and Hawai’i have established intensive cooperation in the past 15 years. The cooperation had once declined, but it has now increased significantly after Mr. Barack Obama came to office as U.S. President,” said Pratikno.
According to Pratikno, the disaster mitigation cooperation is based on mutual understanding of the geographic condition of the two states, Indonesia and Hawai’i federal state, in disaster-prone regions. Cooperation would involve not only both universities but also municipal governments from Yogyakarta and Honolulu.
Pratikno said cooperation between UGM and Hawai’i had intensified during the past five years, even the most intense as compared to that of universities in Australia, Asia and Europe. The cooperation declined by the end of the 90’s with the U.S. as UGM started to establish ties with Japan, Australia and Europe. “The close relationship between leaders of both states, President Obama and President SBY, was getting more intensive, so, resources are increasing. UGM and Hawai’i will establish double degree programme, research and student exchange,” he said.
Similarly, President of University of Hawai’i, Dr. Greenwood, said the cooperation between Hawai’i and UGM and other universies in Indonesia had increased in the past decade, proven by the increase in scholarships for students to study there. “Therefore, books collection on Indonesia are numerous in Hawai’i. Bahasa Indonesia teaching was started in the 60’s at Hawai’i,” she said.
In her visit, the President of University of Hawai’i is accompanied by faculty members from College of Education, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Engineering, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and Pacific Disaster Center.