UGM Collaborates with East Manggarai Regency to Enhance Human Resources and Combat Stunting
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has entered into a partnership with the East Manggarai Regency Government in East Nusa Tenggara, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on March 10. This collaboration is intended to promote efforts in education, research, and community service, in alignment with the principles of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The partnership will concentrate on regional development by improving human resource quality and addressing the issue of stunting.
Community Service Initiatives
The collaborative initiatives will encompass various community service projects. UGM’s Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, indicated that the UGM Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) has historically enabled students to engage directly with community challenges, thus fostering their understanding of local potentials and issues.
Student Engagement and Local Resources
Professor Wening emphasized the need for students to comprehend conditions in the field, assess local resources, and work cooperatively with communities to generate economic and social benefits. The collaboration aims to ensure that students’ academic efforts align with genuine community needs, leveraging local governments’ insights into their social, economic, and health circumstances. This approach seeks to guide community service activities toward alleviating pressing challenges such as stunting.
Enhancing Access to Higher Education
The agreement also aspires to enhance human resource capacity by improving access to higher education. Professor Wening noted UGM’s commitment to increasing enrollment among master’s and doctoral students from diverse regions throughout Indonesia, ensuring equitable educational opportunities nationwide.
Regent’s Acknowledgment of the Partnership
Agas Andreas, the Regent of East Manggarai, acknowledged the partnership, recognizing UGM’s contributions to the region. He referenced the prior implementation of thematic KKN programs focused on stunting prevention, highlighting the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address high stunting rates.
Educational Access as a Development Priority
Additionally, Agas underscored the importance of educational access for youth as a critical development priority for the region and reaffirmed the local government’s dedication to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.
Health Sector Enhancement for Regional Development
The enhancement of the health sector is also regarded as vital for regional development. Agas emphasized that strengthening the capacity of health workers and employing community-based approaches are essential for improving healthcare quality. Collaborative efforts with universities are perceived as crucial in promoting research-driven innovations to address public health challenges.
Future Joint Programs and Contributions
The partnership between UGM and the East Manggarai Regency Government is expected to lead to future joint programs. By integrating education, research, and community service, universities can significantly contribute to addressing regional development issues, ultimately supporting Indonesia’s progress.
(Source: UGM)
