MAKASSAR - A total of 1,714 students from 91 State/Private Universities (PTN/PTS) is ready to compete in the National Student Science Week (PIMNAS) XXIV held at the Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 18-22 July 2011. All colleges that are qualified for the selection are the participants who regularly qualify for the PIMNAS each year.
According to Director General of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Ir. Djoko Santoso, of about ten thousand of student research proposals are submitted, 350 works of students creativity and 107 research papers qualify. "Only eight percent of the total 3000's colleges that submitted research proposals," Djoko said when opening the PIMNAS XXIV activities at the Baruga Andi Pangerang Petta Rani building, campus of the University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, on Tuesday (19/7).
Djoko admitted, the number of universities that submit student research proposal is still small compared to the number of universities in Indonesia, namely 2980 private universities and 88 state universities. Whereas, universities have the more complete infrastructure than school, therefore they should be more productive in scientific works. "They naturally have to issue works of various inventions of lecturers and student. Our country is very large, and the inhabitants of the region require sustainability and the ability to continue to survive," he said.
Deputy Governor of South Sulawesi, Ir. Agus Arifin Nu'mang, in his welcoming speech said that the PIMNAS activity is a prestigious event for students in the development of science and technology. According to Agus, PIMNAS can be used as a measure of the rise of science. "It could produce works that benefit the state and nation," he said.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Makassar, Ilham Ari Sirajjudin, Rector of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. dr. Idrus A. Paturusi, and Director General of Directorate of Research and Community Service (DG DP2M), Prof. Dr. Ir. Suryo Hapsoro. In the opening ceremony a symbolic handover of Adikarta Kertawidya trophy (overall winner of PIMNAS) was done by the UGM Director of Student Affairs, Drs. Haryanto, M.Si., to the Director General of Higher Education.
Met separately, Drs. Haryanto, M.Si., mentioned his optimism that UGM can retain the overall champion title that was previously won in the PIMNAS 2010 in Bali. Especially for the current PIMNAS UGM sends the largest contingent compared with other participants, i.e. 169 students. "UGM sends 39 teams of PKM (Student Creativity Program), 4 support teams, and an exhibition group," said Haryanto as he mentioned that the current PIMNASis competing 16 championships in five competition categories.