UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU, ASEAN Eng., admitted that there is still a gap of education between Java and outside Java. Accordingly, many parties strive to develop education so that education between those areas will soon be commensurate.
"Government should pay attention to its role so that universities in Java, including UGM, can share their knowledge and provide guidance and cooperation with universities outside Java," he said in the opening of a webinar with the theme The Role of Universitas Gadjah Mada in National Development on Friday (11 / 12).
According to the Chancellor, principally, there should be advancements and more roles in education to make Indonesia a highly competitive country, and each area similarly has equal progress. He added that UGM could not stand alone, and there should be collective work with many parties in order to realize national development.
"Therefore, if UGM has a few advantages, then let us pass it on to other parties, and there is no problem in this country that can only be resolved by a group of people, let alone only by UGM itself. So, the synergy of cooperation, giving and inviting each other is the key for our nation to progress, "he said.
During the question and answer session, the UGM Chancellor stated that he was very open to students outside Java who yearned to experience the atmosphere of education at UGM for several semesters. Besides, UGM can also conduct research with some universities from outside regions related to valuable regional potential.
The UGM Council of Professors held a webinar with the theme of the Role of Universitas Gadjah Mada in National Development as the commemoration of UGM 71st Anniversary. This online seminar presented seven speakers, namely Prof. Dr. Adri Patton, M.Si (Rector of the University of Borneo, Tarakan), Prof. Dr. Philipus Betaubun, M.T (Rector of Musamus Merauke), Dr. Ibrahim, S.Fil., M.Si (Rector of Bangka Belitung University), Prof. Dr. R. Agus Sartono, MBA (Deputy Minister for Education and Religion, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Kemenko PMK), Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng (Director General of Higher Education Ministry of Education and Culture), Dr. Ir. H. Akhsan Djalaluddin, MS (Rector of West Sulawesi University) and UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU, ASEAN Eng.
Agus Sartono revealed that in the period 2030-2035, Indonesia will have a demographic bonus. At the same time, there will be so many challenges for Indonesia towards a golden Indonesia.
Some of the population's challenges will increase and affect the needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Therefore, it must be planned to meet these needs, so there is no dependence on imports.
"This is such a tremendous challenge. The contribution of universities here is very real, how to outline things regarding the increasing population. Not to mention the problems regarding the increase in life expectancy which reaches 72 years and the problem of urbanization in suburban areas later on," he said.
Director-General of Higher Education, Prof. Nizam, affirmed this. According to him, several countries have missed taking advantage of the demographic bonus they have, such as Latin America, North Africa, and others, based on their experiences.
"So, this becomes homework for us. In addition, urbanization with the complexity of social problems and the shift of agrarian society to the city. Apart from the more open international trade," he said.
Therefore, Nizam expects UGM to develop itself as a public university by starting Indonesia's development from the periphery, developing Indonesia as a maritime continent, and developing villages with tridharma.
"Obviously, it is hoped that UGM will carry out community service with the orientation to benefit the community, to develop villages, and to foster areas with universities in its particular areas," he explained.
Chairman of the DGB, Prof. Drs. Koentjoro, MBsc., Ph.D., added that concerning national development, there had been many transformations due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other problems. Hence, only with a synergy between universities can we cooperatively advance it.
"UGM, as a leading university, should be able to mutually work with other universities to guide, foster, so that universities in underdeveloped areas and others can run well, and progress together," he said.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Translator: Natasa A