UNAND MoU with Danantara: Enhancing Research Collaboration and Economic Sovereignty in Indonesia
Universitas Andalas (UNAND) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Danantara Aset Management (Persero) aimed at enhancing collaboration between academic institutions and the industrial sector in Indonesia. The signing ceremony took place on June 13 at UNAND’s Convention Hall, where it was accompanied by a public lecture.
Keynote Speaker
During the event, Dony Oskaria, the Chief Operating Officer of Danantara and Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of Indonesia, served as the keynote speaker. He presented a lecture titled “Building a New Triple Helix: Collaboration – State-Owned Enterprises – Danantara – for Indonesia’s Sovereignty.”
Rector’s Perspective
Efa Yonnedi, Ph.D., the Rector of Universitas Andalas, spoke on the necessity of forging strong partnerships with alumni and industries, particularly state-owned enterprises, to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem. He affirmed that UNAND aims to function as a laboratory that generates competitive solutions and innovations to bolster Indonesia’s economic sovereignty.
Framework of Collaboration
The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration in education, research, and community service, with a focus on facilitating joint research projects, student internships, and the development of industry-relevant curricula.
Role of State-Owned Enterprises
Oskaria underscored the significance of state-owned enterprises in contributing over 25% to national government revenues through taxes, dividends, and profits. He emphasized that these enterprises have considerable capacity for self-investment, reducing reliance on foreign capital. Oskaria clarified that Danantara operates as an asset management company, seeking to optimize the investment value of state-owned enterprises rather than functioning as a traditional financial institution.
Collaboration with Universities
He further noted the critical role of universities in driving economic growth, highlighting the need for strong collaboration to align educational offerings with the requirements of the job market.
Engagement with Students
The session concluded with a call for students to equip themselves for future employment opportunities by acquiring diverse skills and leveraging the university’s extensive alumni network, which includes many individuals employed in state-owned enterprises. A discussion session between students and Oskaria followed, showcasing the students’ keen interest in the future of Indonesia’s economy in collaboration with Danantara.
Original source: Universitas Andalas
