The applicable results of research from a University are expected to be followed with graduate’s action to return to the village to build the disadvantaged areas. This was stated by Minister for Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Helmy Faisal Zaini, when opening Product Innovation Exhibition, Open Campus and Research Week at UGM Graha Sabha Pramana, Tuesday (11/10).
According to Helmy, UGM research exhibition featuring national products is expected to trigger economic growth in underdeveloped areas. Therefore, as a people’s campus that maintains local wisdom, Helmy invites academic community to observe the community distribution from village to the city as a serious matter. He quoted the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data per March 2010; the people who live in urban areas reached 52 percent more. "Due to the inversed community distribution, a policy should be made, namely the village as the centre of growth," he said.
The paradigm that has been developed is “Infrastructure following people”, making the big city will become more crowded with people from the village. According to Helmy, the policy pattern of development has to be reversed, i.e. the underdeveloped sector should be encouraged to build infrastructure and facilities. "Followed by scholars return to the village which has to be developed with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. UGM can certainly encourage them to participate," he said.
Meanwhile, the UGM Rector, Prof. Sudjarwadi, said UGM offers joint research with partners in regional, national as well as international institutions. He said many cooperation offers through the UGM cannot be separated from the Yogyakarta’s title as a city of education, culture and tourism. "This is a tremendous opportunity to give inspiration to Indonesia’s development, especially development in underdeveloped areas," he said.
The product innovations exhibition shows the entire work results of UGM students, lecturers and partners, and vocational students. The activity at Graha Sabha Pramana was followed by 18 faculties, 28 programs of study, vocational school and regional government, 50 booths of Student Activity Unit and Nusantara Culinary Festival. It also presents Kiai Kanjeng and Ainun Najib, faculty bands and local dance. This event is part of the 62th anniversary of the UGM. A number of agenda that was held in the Research Week are seminars, workshops, talk shows and book discussion.