Fakfak Regency, West Papua, is recognized as a leading nutmeg-producing region in Papua, with nearly 80 percent of its territory comprising forest areas. The regency also holds significant potential in the oil and gas industry, which remains largely untapped. However, realizing these potentials requires the preparation of qualified human resources, thereby calling for collaboration with higher education institutions.
This commitment was emphasized during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the organization and development of education, research, and community service between Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Fakfak Regency Government on Wednesday (Oct. 22) at the UGM Central Office’s Meeting Room.
Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, expressed appreciation to the Fakfak Regency Government for choosing UGM as its strategic partner in this collaboration.
“We are truly honored and very pleased that the regent has given special attention to establishing cooperation with UGM,” said Dr. Hadmoko.
Aligned with Fakfak Regency’s strategic vision to enhance human resource capacity through education and health development, Dr. Hadmoko affirmed UGM’s readiness to collaborate by providing access to education for local students.
“We are ready to follow up, especially since the regent has prepared 1,500 education scholarships. We hope that these scholarships can be synergized to send the best prospective students from Fakfak to study at UGM,” he explained.
Fakfak Regent, Samaun Dahlan, emphasized that his administration is prioritizing programs aimed at improving education and healthcare for the local community. These initiatives include establishing a one-stop health access system and providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
The collaboration with UGM, he noted, aims to strengthen human resource development and support regional progress in Fakfak.
“As the regent, I sincerely hope that the young people of Fakfak, our own local sons and daughters, will have the opportunity to pursue their education,” said Samaun.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian