(from left, carrying paper) ITS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng, and IAIN Rector Fattahul Muluk Papua Dr. H Idrus Alhamid SAg MSi after signing the MoU

ITS Campus, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has carried out several community service activities (Abmas) based on Real Work Lecture (KKN) to various parts of Indonesia, but still not focused on eastern Indonesia. For this reason, ITS signed an online Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fattahul Muluk Papua State Islamic Institute (IAIN) to expand ITS reach to eastern Indonesia in terms of community service and cooperation, Thursday (1/4).

In his remarks, the Rector of IAIN Fattahul Muluk, Dr. H Idrus Alhamid SAg MSi, highlighted the sentence “the intellectual life of the nation” in the fourth paragraph of the opening of the 1945 Constitution. There are still many children in Indonesia who have educational backwardness, especially in eastern Indonesia. “So that Indonesia feels its diversity, now ITS and IAIN Fattahul Muluk are trying to prove this,” he said.

Most of the problems that occur in the eastern region, he continued, are technology-based problems. Misool Island, for example, used to be a place without electricity, and during the dry season, there was a shortage of clean water. By looking at its natural potential, this island can become a tourist spot that will attract tourists. “Finally, our students who do not have a background in engineering and electrical education experience difficulties during the Community Service Program there,” said Idrus.

These are expecting to be resolving with the collaboration between ITS and IAIN Fattahul Muluk. Responding to this, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng expressed his readiness to work together and carry out plans that would later benefit both parties and also the Indonesian nation. “Even though it is far from the distance side. With the technology, we can be close,” said the Rector who familiarly called Ashari enthusiastically.

IAIN Fattahul Muluk promised ready to help and facilitate projects or plans owned by ITS in eastern Indonesia. They have also implemented the Nusantara KKN program with students from various regions in Indonesia. Such as Jember, Pontianak, and Palangkaraya. Besides, this readiness is recognized because they already have a fairly complete base and information for their territory.

Giving of souvenirs from ITS and IAIN Fattahul Muluk Papua after signing the MoU

One of the contributions that Idrus had thought about was the design of a livable house for the mountainous area in Wamena. For him, this kind of contribution will have a very big impact if it can be made between the two. According to him, if ITS and IAIN Fattahul Muluk can contribute to this without religious and cultural barriers, this will show the true diversity in Indonesia.

With this cooperation, it is hoped that it will erase the mindset that religious-based institutions have to learn exclusively for religious activities. However, it can be a bridge for the surrounding community to gain knowledge. “So, Papuan children who are majority non-Muslim will not hesitate to seek education at IAIN Fattahul Muluk later,” he said hopefully.

After signing the MoU, the event continued with the giving of souvenirs from ITS in the form of a clock-shaped placard symbolizing one of the verses in the Koran, namely Wal-‘asr. Meanwhile, the gift of souvenirs from IAIN Fattahul Muluk in the form of a gold plaque is a characteristic of Papua. With a cultural carving that will initiate cooperation between the two of them to produce benefits to Indonesia. (pan/ITS Public Relations)

Photo of ITS and IAIN Fattahul Muluk Papua at the MoU signing ceremony which was held virtually

Reporter: Muhammad Miftah Fakhrizal