Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has established a strategic partnership with the Government of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on human resource development, research, innovation, and sustainable natural resource management. The signing ceremony took place at Universitas Gadjah Mada and was attended by university leaders and officials from the Bangka Belitung provincial government on Tuesday (May 12) at the UGM Central Office Building.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia stated that the collaboration between UGM and the Bangka Belitung provincial government has existed for quite some time and continues to develop.
“We highly appreciate the commitment of the regional government in making universities partners in research and development,” she said.
According to Professor Ova Emilia, universities have a responsibility not only to produce high-quality human resources but also to deliver research and innovation that support regional development.
“The mineral and mining potential in Bangka Belitung presents both a major opportunity and a challenge that must be managed wisely,” she remarked.
Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that industrial and mining development should not focus solely on the exploitation of natural resources but must also consider environmental sustainability and the future of local communities.
“Industrial and mining development must be carried out sustainably while maintaining environmental conditions and ecosystem balance,” she explained.
As a higher education institution, she continued, UGM has a role in providing studies and recommendations grounded in objective, accountable scientific approaches.
“We hope that every recommendation and research finding we deliver is truly science-based and accountable,” she stated.
Governor of the Bangka Belitung Islands, Hidayat Arsani, emphasized that Bangka Belitung possesses significant natural resource potential, particularly in the mineral and mining sectors. However, these resources must be managed wisely to ensure economic benefits without neglecting environmental sustainability.
“We require support and assistance from universities, especially Universitas Gadjah Mada, in building better mining governance and natural resource management,” he said.
According to Arsani, the partnership is expected to provide science- and technology-based solutions that support public safety, environmental sustainability, and regional prosperity. The Bangka Belitung provincial government also hopes that UGM academics and graduates will contribute to the development of the province’s mining and industrial sectors.
“Scientific knowledge must strengthen the capacity of local communities and foster more professional, safe, and sustainable governance,” he added.
Through this collaboration, both parties hope that the partnership will go beyond the signing of documents and be realized through concrete programs that directly benefit communities and regional development. The strategic partnership is also expected to strengthen human resource development, sustainable natural resource management, and the development of research- and innovation-based industries in the Bangka Belitung Islands.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Donnie