The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) orchestrated the signing of three pivotal memoranda of understanding on Wednesday (Dec. 13).
These transformative agreements marked the union between UGM and the Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI), UGM and PT APP Purinusa Ekapersada, and UGM and PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper.
This triad of memoranda symbolizes a profound collaboration encompassing education, research, assessment, community service, and the cascading of university innovations.
“The university plays a pivotal role as a bastion for research and development. Naturally, we are poised to collaborate and learn collectively because we firmly believe that each party brings unique advantages and valuable insights that we can exchange,” declared the rector, Professor Ova Emilia.
She accentuated that, in the contemporary era, collaboration is not merely an option but an imperative. Rector Emilia emphasized the fervent enthusiasm across all UGM units to cultivate partnerships with practitioners and industry leaders, anticipating positive outcomes.
“This synergy will infuse a more dynamic atmosphere into the university,” added the rector.
The collaborative roadmap with APHI encompasses academic investigations into peatland management, employing an approach integrating water balance analysis and emission measurements. The objective is to preserve hydrological equilibrium within a peat hydrological unity landscape.
In tandem with PT APP and PT RAPP, UGM will embark on various initiatives, including the development of industrial plant species to boost productivity, the Integrated Forest Farming System (IFFS), CO2 absorption technology employing microalgae for decarbonization in factory production environments and carbon trading.
Additionally, multi-forest businesses and community empowerment will be at the forefront of these collaborative endeavors.
Rector Emilia expressed her optimism that these memoranda would fortify solidarity, harmony, and partnership networks, ushering in an era of enhanced performance and myriad positive impacts, particularly in nurturing exceptional human resources.
“The challenges are not confined to the national stage but reverberate globally. We must be prepared to engage, speak up, and contribute meaningfully. With our collaborations growing more intimate, we can stimulate novel ideas and initiatives for the nation,” the rector articulated.
As an association, APHI is a crucial partner to the government and interested institutions, functioning as a platform for communication, information, consultation, facilitation, and advocacy about forest management.
Principles of responsibility, accountability, transparency, and professionalism in business activities underpin this.
The Chair of APHI, Professor Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo, underscored the strategic significance of collaborating with UGM.
“For us, UGM is a university with substantial historical value. With the advent of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, the forestry industry has evolved from a singular focus on wood to a multifaceted business landscape,” he remarked.
Professor Soesilo accentuated the pivotal role of the higher education sector in navigating diverse challenges and opportunities on the horizon. He expressed his hope that UGM could extend its influence not only in upstream activities but also downstream in corporate pursuits, specifically in marketing.
“We cannot forge ahead without the support of science and technology. Ideally, UGM can establish enterprises that penetrate the market more robustly. Innovation is imperative; let’s embark on this journey together,” urged Professor Soesilo.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Donnie