Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) presented a book titled Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Kemitraan Berkelanjutan – Pengalaman dan Refleksi Bekerja Bersama Masyarakat di KHDTK Blora-Ngawi (Community Empowerment and Sustainable Partnerships – Experiences and Reflections on Working with Communities in KHDTK Blora-Ngawi) to Pertamina Foundation during the inauguration of the Watu Macan Reservoir on Thursday (Sep. 25).
UGM Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, stated that the handover of the book symbolizes UGM’s commitment to supporting community empowerment through knowledge-based and field-based practices within the Special Purpose Forest Area (Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus/KHDTK).
Dr. Nugroho explained that the book was developed based on UGM’s experience in conducting studies and providing intensive assistance to communities living in the Blora and Ngawi forest areas.
He emphasized that this documentation is vital for capturing best practices that various stakeholders can adapt and implement.
“We hope this book will serve as a reference for developing sustainable partnership models among universities, government, and businesses,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Nugroho stressed that the knowledge compiled in the book is part of the university’s contribution to the tri-dharma of higher education. He expressed hope that the work will inspire inclusive and sustainable development in forest areas.
“We expect that this book will not remain as mere documentation but become a practical guide for community development around KHDTK,” he added.
The handover ceremony took place on the main stage, involving representatives from UGM and Pertamina.
The Vice-Rector symbolically presented the book to the Independent Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero), Condro Kirono, and the Director of Business Support of PT Pertamina (Persero), Erry Sugiarto.
The event was solemnly witnessed by the Pertamina Foundation leadership along with local government officials.
Pertamina expressed its appreciation for UGM’s contribution in documenting community empowerment experiences in forest areas.
According to Condro Kirono, the publication demonstrates how research and field practices can complement each other to generate tangible benefits.
“We regard this book as important evidence of how knowledge can form the foundation of sustainable programs,” he stated.
Appreciation also came from Pertamina Foundation, which recognized the book as an academic contribution aligned with its corporate social responsibility programs.
For Pertamina, UGM’s experience working with communities in KHDTK provides valuable input for designing more effective environmental and social programs.
“We consider this book a valuable reference to strengthen the role of businesses in advancing sustainable development,” said President Director of Pertamina Foundation, Agus Mashud S. Asngari.
The book presentation was part of a series of events marking the inauguration of the Watu Macan Reservoir in Megeri Village, Blora.
Through this publication, UGM reaffirmed its role as a university not only building infrastructure but also producing knowledge that serves as a shared reference.
The collaboration among UGM, Pertamina, the local government, and communities forms an essential foundation for achieving social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Blora and Ngawi.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi