UGM continues to be a higher learning institution that develops science and culture for Indonesian independence and prosperity. Many measures are taken to make UGM a national university to which people can refer to by running quality education, research and community service.
One form of community service developed by UGM is Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (KKN-PPM) or Student Community Service Programme that has brought particular themes to manage local potential so it can encourage independence and prosperity.
Marine Resources and Technology Centre of Studies of UGM supports the implementation of KKN PPM UGM by designing the Empowerment Programme of Islets and Remote Islands in 2011. “This is an effort to assist communities in islets and remote islands that face various challenges and to bridge the programme implementation and development policy of the local government,” said Head of the Centre, Dr. Yosi Bayu Murti, Apt., Tuesday (14/5).
Yosi said Indonesia is an archipelago with thousands of islands separate from the main islands. Those islands have limited carrying capacity and have often been ignored by Government in terms of infrastructure or economy. That is why his office was designing empowerment programme for the community of Maratua island, Berau regency, East Kalimantan.
The year 2012 saw the first batch of 5 years programme of Remote Islands and Islets Thematic programme to mapping the potential of bio-geo diversity, cultural diversity, identification and tourism potential of the region. The data compiled was integrated into interactive tourism map and web based tourism information system. The results of the programme in the form of interactive map and videos were symbolically submitted to Regent of Berau, Drs. H. Makmur, HAPK., MM., on 3 May 2013. “The Regent welcomed the results of programme in the first year and would further welcome next programmes. He also hoped that UGM would be willing to extend the scope of area and cooperation,” he said.