The Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) has officially established a partnership with PT Lianhua Leather Industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Cooperation Agreement (PKS). The signing ceremony, held at Animal Science UGM on Tuesday (July 7), was attended by Professor Budi Guntoro, Dean of Animal Science UGM, and Julius Kurniawan, Vice General Manager of PT Lianhua Leather Industry.
Professor Budi said that Animal Science UGM has strong academic capacity and an extensive international network, both of which can support Indonesia’s leather industry. He added that the rapid development of leather-processing technologies requires closer collaboration between universities and industry to deliver greater benefits.
“Animal Science UGM has established partnerships with various universities in Europe, including through the Erasmus program,” he said.
Professor Budi expressed hope that the partnership with Lianhua Leather Industry would extend beyond student internships to include collaborative research, innovation development, and the involvement of industry practitioners as guest lecturers. He added that synergy between academia and industry is essential for generating innovation and producing graduates equipped to meet the evolving needs of the leather sector.
Echoing Professor Guntoro’s remarks, Julius Kurniawan, Vice General Manager of PT Lianhua Leather Industry, welcomed the collaboration.
“We hope that UGM graduates will contribute to the leather industry, particularly in leather tanning,” he said.
Julius also expressed hope that the partnership would foster a mutually beneficial relationship between industry and higher education institutions.
Julius further noted that the company continues to face strong demand for skilled professionals to support its operations in Cianjur. For this reason, he believes collaboration with universities is a strategic approach to preparing competent human resources ready to enter the workforce.
Through this partnership, Lianhua Leather Industry will not only provide internship opportunities for students but also offer capacity-building opportunities for outstanding talent through scholarships for advanced study in China, helping develop stronger future contributors to the sector.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen the link between higher education and industry, foster innovation, enhance graduates’ competitiveness, and support the sustainable development of Indonesia’s leather industry.
Reporter: Satria, Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations
Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Documentation of the Faculty of Animal Science UGM