Senior Vice Rector for Academic, Research, and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Retno Sunarminingsih, M.Sc., Apt., mentioned that UGM was currently working to implement Education for Sustainable Development (EfSD). One of the efforts is to establish a policy banning motor vehicles into campus for new students class of 2011.
With this policy, UGM has launched bicycle service named 'UGM Ngepit', providing as many as 200 units of bicycles and 20 bicycle racks as a means of campus transportation. Campus bike stations are provided at locations which are not too far from public transportation spots, places mostly visited by students, and in some clusters.
"UGM wants to implement EfSD, one of which is to establish a policy banning motor vehicles to campus for new students. This step is a learning for students on how to save energy and reduce pollution. In order to facilitate the transportation of students on campus, UGM has launched “UGM Ngepit” service by providing 200 units of bicycles," Retno said, Tuesday (16/8), in the Ramadan gathering with reporters who are members of Gadjah Mada University Campus Journalists Forum (Fortakgama) at Rector’s Official House at Bulaksumur F-14.
Retno hoped that cycling movement at UGM campus that was originally intended for new students can be widespread and sustainably implemented. "UGM Ngepit movement indeed is done gradually, as a start it is intended for new students. However, in future this cycling movement can be expanded, not just for freshmen, but also the entire UGM community,” she explained.
Retno added that UGM is also keen to establish international cooperation network for undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, UGM also develops Academic Hospital (RSA), which is expected not only to provide health and medical services to the community, but it also serves as educational hospital. "This hospital is expected to be a place of learning and research for students," she added.