Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Parigi Moutong Government in Central Sulawesi have extended their cooperation agreement.
The agreement, which focuses on education, research, and community service, was signed by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, and the Acting Regent of Parigi Moutong, Richard Arnaldo.
This collaboration will utilize each party’s resources for mutual benefit, encompassing educational and training programs, research and natural resource development, community service, scientific activities, seminars and workshops, higher education affirmation, human resource development, and other agreed-upon activities.
Richard Arnaldo expressed gratitude for the cooperation established seven months ago when the Parigi Moutong Government visited UGM to initiate collaboration.
He also acknowledged the 30 students who have completed their community service program (KKN) in Parigi Moutong and have returned to campus.
“We appreciate the cooperation that has been established. Thank you to the students who have contributed through KKN in Parigi Moutong,” stated Richard Arnaldo in the UGM Leadership Meeting Room on Wednesday (Sep. 18).
In the health sector, he noted that the number of medical personnel in Parigi Moutong is still minimal, especially for specialist doctors in remote areas.
The regent invited specialist doctors who graduated from UGM or are about to graduate to strengthen healthcare services in Parigi Moutong.
“In Moutong, we have specialist doctors, but there are not enough in the outskirts,” he explained.
Arnaldo hopes for opportunities in higher education affirmation, particularly for pursuing specialist medical degrees. To maximize the region’s potential, the Parigi Moutong Government welcomes any form of service from UGM.
“We are open to any form of service from UGM for the development and welfare of the Parigi Moutong community,” he said.
Dr. Sujito emphasized that this is an era of collaboration. Therefore, the cooperation between UGM and the Parigi Moutong Government exemplifies UGM’s commitment to being a people-centered university.
“We collaborate with local governments across Indonesia,” he said.
While previous cooperation focused mainly on student KKN deployments and health issues, Dr. Sujito hopes to broaden the collaboration.
“UGM has 18 faculties and two schools that could be involved in expanding cooperation, accelerating development, and realizing the welfare of the Parigi Moutong community,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afif
Photographer: Firsto