Universitas Gadjah Mada and local government of Asmat Regency, Papua, have agreed to establish cooperation in education, research, and community service.
It was marked by the signing of memorandum of understanding by Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Alumni Affairs UGM, Dr. Paripurna Sugarda, S.H., M.Hum., LLM, and Regent of Asmat, Elisa Kambu, S.Sos., Monday (9/3) in the Rector’s office.
The Asmat Regent expressed his gratitude to UGM for this cooperation. He hoped this can help accelerate development in Asmat.
Elisa stated Asmat Regency has unique geographical features compared to other regions of Indonesia. It becomes a huge challenge in implementing the development plan. Therefore, assistance from UGM is needed to help solve various problems.
On that occasion, Elisa also thanked UGM for helping Asmat addressing malnutrition outbreak some time ago. UGM was one of the Indonesian universities that came and helped.
“We are proud and grateful of UGM for helping the Asmat community. Hopefully, UGM can continue improving the dignity of Indonesian children including Asmat,” he said.
Paripurna greatly welcomed the cooperation. Through this, UGM can get closer to Papua and take part in accelerating development.
“UGM as National University, University of Struggle and Democracy, and Pancasila University, is concerned about the conditions in Asmat. For that reason, it always strives to solve the existing problems by continue sending students for community service and experts to Asmat,” he explained.
He also hoped this cooperation agreement can soon map the existing problems and develop future action plans. That way, concrete steps can be taken immediately to support the acceleration of development in Asmat.