The construction of UGM’s Kinanti 2 and 3 student flats in Barek area of Sleman will soon start. The construction is marked by the laying of cornerstone by Public Works Minister, Ir. Djoko Kirmanto, Dipl. H.E, on Wednesday (6/11).
The flat is a cooperation between Public Works Ministry and UGM. It wil be in the form of two twin blocks, 200 rooms in five floors worth IDR26 billions. It is targeted to complete by May 2014.
Djoko Kirmanto said the flat construction is a support to UGM in educating its students that are heterogeneous. It is expected that the heterogeneous students can interact in harmony.
Previously, Governor Sri Sultan HB X shared the same view. The availability of student dormitory can help strengthen solidarity among students. It is different from dorms built by local governments, which are used for students from their respective regions. “Living in the student flat will help build solidarity between heterogeneous ethnic groups, cultures, and faiths. After one year they move to other settlements in the community, they do not need to start all over again to strengthen solidarity,” he said.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., said the flat construction is important for UGM. Currently, UGM has 56,900 students that need a place to live whilst studying. “At least 45 thousands of students will live among the community and we target at 12 thousands living in the flat,” he said.
Pratikno revealed that the current dorms can only accommodate 600 students. In fact, there are 800 students staying in Bulaksumur Residence, Dharmaputera, Cemara Lima, and Ratnaningsih. “Starting next semester in 2014/2015 academic year, there will be 1400 freshmen in the dorms,” he said.