Members of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), including Sudewo, Hamid Noor Yasin, Mulyadi, and Iis Rosyita Dewi, embarked on a working visit to the UGM campus to scrutinize the progress of the UGM Innovation and Creativity Arena (GIK) on Monday (Mar. 4).
Accompanied by the UGM’s Rector, leadership, and GIK management, Commission V engaged in discussions to evaluate the construction process.
During the audience meeting with the rector, Sudewo articulated that the purpose of House Commission V’s visit was to assess the construction of the GIK building, funded by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing.
Sudewo emphasized GIK as a pivotal initiative to enhance the nation’s human resource quality through collaboration with diverse industries.
“We commend the Ministry of Public Works for allocating funds for GIK’s construction. This marks a significant stride for Indonesian universities to engage with corporations, aligning them with top-tier institutions in America and Europe,” he remarked.
Expressing his hopes for GIK, Sudewo underscored the importance of its accessibility beyond the UGM academic community, advocating for its broader utilization.
“We aspire for GIK to be maximally utilized to benefit not only the academic community but also Indonesia as a whole,” he conveyed.
While the construction is ongoing, Sudewo urged the ministry to conduct regular evaluations to optimize its utilization. He proposed replicating GIK’s concept in other major campuses if proven beneficial in enhancing human resource quality and fostering downstream activities.
“I urge the director-general to oversee its usage. If proven effective, this model can be replicated in other universities. Otherwise, the ministry can assist to enhance its functionality further,” he elaborated.
UGM’s Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed gratitude for House Commission V’s visit, underscoring its support for GIK. Reflecting on the initial proposal for GIK’s construction, she highlighted the imperative of strengthening university-industry collaboration to facilitate innovation downstream.
“When GIK was proposed, we recognized the need for closer ties between Indonesian universities and industry practitioners. While we have a Community Service Program (KKN), collaboration with industries remains limited, hindering downstream activities. We aim to bridge this gap from upstream to downstream,” she emphasized.
Despite ongoing construction, the rector noted UGM’s collaboration with approximately 60 corporations poised to participate in GIK’s endeavors.
“Through this collaboration, we envision facilitating the downstream of research and innovation outcomes,” she added.
The rector emphasized the significance of legislative and ministerial engagement in overseeing GIK’s future management development, highlighting the pivotal role of government and corporations in its optimal functioning.
“We appreciate the motivation and attention from Commission V. This catalyzes GIK’s development,” she concluded.
The construction of GIK is scheduled for completion in April 2024.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie