The regency of Banggai Island in Central Sulawesi has partnered with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to develop the regency’s potential in tourism, fisheries, and agriculture sectors
This emerged in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the regency and UGM by Acting Secretary of Banggai Island, Rusli Moidady, S.T., M.T., and UGM Director for Partnership, Alumni, and International Affairs, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., at UGM Main Office on Wednesday (26/9).
Rusli Moidady appreciated UGM that had dispatched students for community service projects in the island. “The UGM attention given by UGM is a great gift to us in the east of Sulawesi,” he said.
Banggai Island currently has 116 thousand inhabitants in 12 districts. “Situated on the coastal areas, the majority of the people make their livings in agriculture, fisheries, and agriculture,” he said.
He mentioned the commodity of excellence of this area are copra, tubers, cashew, clove, and cocoa. Meanwhile, despite the regency’s sea areas, fisheries and tourism sectors have not been much developed there.
“Most of the island, or 90%, are formed from karst, which limits the development of infrastructure and agriculture. We hope in the future it will grow better under this cooperation,” he said.
Rusli said they also wanted to improve the local human resource capacity, which includes sending the young people to study at UGM. He added that the regency also lacks of doctors.
Danang Sri Hadmoko said with the agreement, there would be many things for cooperation to support the development of East Indonesia. “UGM focuses in the outermost, underdeveloped and isolated regions, particularly in East Indonesia” he said.
Danang expected the cooperation would still continue with the student community service to empower the local community. He added Banggai Island with its sea territory would be developed for its fisheries sector through the development of fish products added value. “We hope the products from this region as product of excellence of Banggai Islan can enter the wider market,” he said.