Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has established a partnership with the Tabalong Regency Government in South Kalimantan to support educational initiatives and human resource development.
The signing of the cooperation charter was carried out by UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, and Tabalong Regent, H. M. Noor Rifani, on Wednesday, May 27, 2025, at the UGM Central Office.
The Tabalong Regent stated that the collaboration with UGM is a strategic step to support one of the region’s priority programs, which aims to produce 1,000 university graduates from Tabalong.
“Our priority program is to create scholarship opportunities for Tabalong youth to pursue higher education. We are targeting 1,000 graduates, and for that, we aim to collaborate with leading universities, including UGM,” said Regent Rifani.
He also emphasized that UGM students from Tabalong will be encouraged to complete their degrees and will be given access through affirmative action schemes.
“We hope they will have the opportunity to return and contribute to building Tabalong,” he added.
Vice-Rector Sujito warmly welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to supporting equitable access to education throughout Indonesia.
As a national university, he explained, UGM has a responsibility to provide educational opportunities for all members of society.
“We greatly appreciate this initiative, as it aligns with UGM’s commitment to continuously develop and enhance the intellectual life of the nation,” he stated.
For Vice-Rector Sujito, education is not merely about sending young people to university but also about strengthening networks and collaboration for a shared future.
The cooperation is expected to serve as the beginning of a sustained synergy between academia and regional governments in cultivating an excellent and competitive young generation.
“It’s not just about going to school; it’s also about building inter-regional networks and fostering national solidarity,” he affirmed.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna