Papua is one of the regions with highly diverse natural resources, one of Indonesia’s ecological lungs; concrete efforts are needed to preserve Papua’s environment. One comes from a collaboration initiated by the Pegunungan Bintang Regency Government and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) through human resource development and the establishment of a Geography Study Program at Universitas Okmin Papua in the regency. This was highlighted during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UGM and Pegunungan Bintang Regency at the Balairung Building, UGM Central Office, on Tuesday (Apr. 28).
UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, stated that Papua is rich in biological resources that sustain many communities. One effort that can be undertaken is to produce educated individuals with expertise in geography and responsible natural resource management.
“Based on this background, the Pegunungan Bintang Regency Government has partnered with the UGM Faculty of Geography to provide assistance in establishing a Geography study program,” said Dr. Hadmoko.
He welcomed the initiative. According to him, Geography UGM, as one of the pioneers of geography and regional studies education in Indonesia, holds a responsibility to enhance public awareness and understanding of conservation.
“Ideally, there should be at least one Geography study program on every island in Indonesia. UGM has graduates spread across the country, and Geography students from Papua have great potential to continue this mission,” he said.
Geography UGM Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation, Dr. Dyah Rahmawati Hizbaron, noted that her faculty is ready to support curriculum development and the preparation of teaching staff for the program’s establishment. She reported that 20 students, 17 at the master’s level and 3 at the doctoral level, will receive mentoring and guidance from Geography UGM
“The curriculum must be tailored to relevant local needs. We will support these students until they obtain certification and are ready to serve in their region,” she explained.
Pegunungan Bintang Regent, Spei Yan Bidana, stated that, in addition to assistance with establishing the Geography study program, he also expects guidance on drafting an academic paper to serve as the basis for a Presidential Regulation, so that the Pegunungan Bintang area can be designated as a conservation zone.
The alumnus of UGM Graduate School’s Master’s Program in Environmental Management emphasized the urgency of a Presidential Regulation to support the realization of environmental services in Papua.
“It is not easy to secure funding from the central government. Therefore, we hope UGM can help us advocate for this Presidential Regulation to ensure financial support for conservation areas,” he said.
As noted, this collaboration spans education, research, and community service. The agreement will be valid for the next five years and will be followed up on promptly.
This partnership with Pegunungan Bintang Regency is expected to provide tangible, sustainable benefits for both parties and to create opportunities for further collaboration to advance the university’s Tri Dharma missions.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Donnie