In a significant stride toward environmental and community well-being, the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, and the Head of the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), Professor Muh Aris Marfai, inked a collaboration agreement on Geospatial Management for Parangtritis on Friday (Dec. 15).
This momentous pact, signed at the leadership meeting room, UGM Central Office, seeks to enhance the mapping of the dunes for the betterment of coastal communities and the environment. Simultaneously, it aspires to elevate the expertise of human resources in geospatial information.
Beyond the collaborative efforts between the BIG Head and the UGM Rector to manage geospatial Parangtritis, another pivotal agreement unfolded to optimize the upkeep of geospatial infrastructure data within UGM.
This accord transpired between the Deputy for Spatial Data Infrastructure at BIG, represented by the Head of Standardization and Geospatial Information Institutional Center, and the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Engineering, represented by the Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, Professor Sugeng Sapto Surjono.
Rector Emilia underscored that this collaboration builds upon prior partnerships, anticipating mutual benefits and positive outcomes for the communities along the southern coast of Yogyakarta.
“Geospatial mapping is a forte in UGM’s research. For the management of Parangtritis geospatial, we aspire for it to bring tangible benefits to the surrounding communities,” she asserted.
During the ceremony, Rector Emilia thanked BIG for their collaborative efforts in advancing geospatial information mapping across various regions in Indonesia. She also acknowledged BIG’s support in offering internship opportunities to UGM students.
“Hopefully, this collaboration will yield a more profound impact on life, the environment, and human resource capacity development,” she added.
The Head of BIG, Professor Marfai, revealed that UGM has harbored a desire to contribute to managing Parangtritis geospatial for an extended period, with collaboration initiatives from the 2000s.
Several UGM researchers from the Faculty of Geography, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, and Vocational College have actively participated in developing and maintaining the Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park.
“Thank you for the support thus far. UGM is likely the sole campus with comprehensive resources for geospatial management. Concerning the Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park development, it leans more towards thematic programs for the dunes’ advancement,” he elucidated.
Professor Marfai emphasized that, in conjunction with partnering with UGM, BIG is extending its network to over 500 regencies and cities, collaborating with various universities in these areas for the expansive development of geospatial mapping.
“We aspire to enhance spatial data infrastructure development,” he concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie