Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan H Edy Pratowo SSos MM (second from left) and Deputy Chancellor IV ITS Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (second from right) show the signed MoU text.

ITS Campus, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to create concrete evidence of the motto Advancing Humanity in order to advance human civilization with technology. One of them was demonstrated through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov Kalteng) in the Senate Meeting Room of the ITS Rectorate Building on Thursday (22/2).

Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, H. Edy Pratowo SSos MM, said that as the largest province in Indonesia, Central Kalimantan is blessed with abundant natural wealth. Starting from forestry, agriculture, mining, plantations, and fisheries, which must be used wisely, strategic planning needs to be designed. “In strategic development planning, it is of course important to involve science and technology,” he said.

Furthermore, according to Edy, Central Kalimantan was also chosen as the first area to develop the food sector and food estate development. With a distance of 344 kilometers from the National Capital City (IKN), Central Kalimantan also boosts development and economic growth. Through the signing of this MoU, the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government is showing real action by collaborating with ITS to advance regional development.

Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan H Edy Pratowo SSos MM (second from left) and Deputy Chancellor IV ITS Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (second from right) show the signed MoU text

In line with its motto, ITS is determined to foster a new spirit by creating innovation through knowledge and technology. Improving the quality of superior human resources (HR) is mandatory as capital for managing abundant natural resources. Not only that, the government must also be proactive in seizing various opportunities to advance Central Kalimantan as an IKN buffer area.

Therefore, Edy said, Central Kalimantan continues to encourage investment to increase regional economic growth and remains focused on development priorities. ITS’ progress in research and technology has encouraged this collaboration to provide support from various fields. Edy said Central Kalimantan needed encouragement in researching resources and deciding on appropriate policies. “For this reason, we will also be ready as facilitators of higher education collaboration, especially with ITS,” emphasized the former Regent of Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan.

Responding to this statement, ITS Deputy Chancellor IV for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation and ITS Alumni Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD said that ITS is very open to various collaborations that will be carried out. The signing of this memorandum of understanding is an initial milestone in generating various innovation ideas to help develop Central Kalimantan. “ITS, which has various study program fields (prodi), can actively express its innovative thinking for the sake of the nation’s development towards a Golden Indonesia,” said Bambang.

ITS leadership with the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government after signing the MoU at the ITS Rectorate Building

Furthermore, the lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering also explained examples of collaboration that ITS has carried out with several other provinces and that could be implemented with Central Kalimantan. In the context of human resource development, ITS will be open to accepting outstanding sons and daughters to study at ITS and return to their regions to spread the benefits. After the MoU is in place, further discussions can be had regarding the sustainability of this collaboration and the preparation of entry routes for certain student admissions.

Not only that, Bambang said, ITS also opens cooperation in developing water transportation if necessary. ITS has many lecturers who excel in technology development, so they will be ready to help. Starting from study centers to science technoparks (STP), they are ready to be active in helping with planning and research. “For example, in ship development, later we can help develop the technology and design,” said Bambang.

This MoU signing activity ended with a closed discussion between ITS and the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government. From the results of this discussion, a follow-up to the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government’s list of needs is needed so that it can be quickly followed up with a cooperation agreement (PKS). “We are wide open if ITS wants to visit Central Kalimantan so we can assess needs that can be followed up later,” concluded Edy. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Silvita Pramadani