ITS Rector, Prof. Mochamad Ashari (second from the left), and Ngawi Regent, Ir. H. Budi Sulistyono (second from the right) when signing the MoU at ITS Rectorate Building

ITS Campus, ITS News – As a State University in Indonesia, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is obliged to do community service. One of the impelementation was through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ngawi District Government on Monday (1/20).

ITS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mochamad Ashari, M.Eng., revealed that one of ITS’ tasks was to produce competent Human Resources and to execute research. Excellent human resources and research should have the ability to help community problems. “For example, by helping in area development, as we are currently doing with the Ngawi District,” he pointed out.

The ITS Rector, who is familiarly called Ashari, believes that Ngawi District has great potential in agriculture, fisheries, and education. “The Research Center team from ITS has also reviewed what needs to be developed from this district (Ngawi, red),” he mentioned.

ITS Rector, Prof. Mochamad Ashari (on the right), when discussing with the Ngawi District Government

In agreement with Ashari, ITS Vice-Rector, Bambang Pramujati, S.T., M.Sc.Eng., Ph.D., also saw the great potential of Ngawi District. Bambang claimed that the archeology found in the Ngawi district can be used as an international tourist attraction. He believes that the archeological nature of Ngawi has a big tourist attraction.

But until now, continued Bambang, there is no proper management for this archeology site. “With a little digital touch, I’m sure this will become a tourist attraction that attracts many tourists,” emphasized this Vice-Rector, that is in charge of innovation, cooperation, alumni, and international relations.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Ngawi District, Ir. H. Budi Sulistyono expressed that currently, Ngawi District wishes to create new economic zones, in education, tourism, to agriculture. Therefore, the Regent of Ngawi chose to collaborate with ITS to accurately map which potentials could be developed together.

Ngawi Regent, Ir. H. Budi Sulistyono (on the right), when discussing with ITS leaders

During the meeting, the Ngawi District Government presented a number of issues that they face and need assistance from ITS. As was elaborated by the Agriculture Office of the Ngawi District, their harvest season is one month early compared to other districts, thus making the harvest processing industry not optimal. Not only that, the lack of agricultural machinery is also a continuing problem.

Ngawi District Tourism Office also hopes for ITS’ assistance in terms of the arrangement, concept, and design of the tourism attraction plan. Likewise, the Office of Cooperatives wants the development of UMKM, the Office of Education wants to increase teacher competence, the Office of Food and Fisheries wants the development of packaging branding, and the Office of Planning expects ITS students to do Real Work Lectures (KKN) in Ngawi District.

ITS Rector, Prof. Mochamad Ashari (second from the left), and Ngawi Regent, Ir. H. Budi Sulistyono (second from the right) when showing the signed MoU

“I hope ITS can help us to overcome these problems so that Ngawi District will develop into a smart city,” Budi Sulistyono stated hopefully.

Responding to the proposed problems, the Dean of the Faculty of Intelligent Electrical and Informatics Technology (ELECTICS), Dr. I Ketut Eddy Purnama, S.T., M.T., further confirmed that ITS will try to help the Ngawi District to overcome the problem, such as making Ngawi District as the main spot for students to complete their Final Assignments, as well as for Student Study Service activities. “This real-life problem can definitely be used as Final Assignment material for our students,” stated this Computer Engineering lecturer.

ITS Rector, Prof. Mochamad Ashari (second from the left) when giving souvenirs to the Ngawi Regent, Ir. H. Budi Sulistyono, after signing the MoU

At the end of the meeting, the ITS Rector hopes that these problems can and will be resolved together. “I am sure that some form of follow-up for the MoU will soon take place,” he concluded, optimistically. (dil/ory/ITS Public Relations)