Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA hoped that the Regent of Wakatobi as a newly established Regent, can utilize its potentials substantially. “Wakatobi cannot wither before it develops,” stated Dwia during the MoU signing between Universitas Hasanddin with the Wakatobi Regent in the Tamalanrea Campus, Unhas, Tuesday (9/8).
Unhas Rector greeted warmly of the partnership plans. “The cooperation will project a positive impact for both stakeholders, as the Wakatobi Regent will gain the opportunity to develop Wakatobi as a maritime-based regency, meanwhile Unhas can establish the Wakatobi Regency as a field laboratory,” explained Dwia.
Wakatobi known as a primary International tourism destination, is hoped by Unhas Rector not to single-handedly develop its tourism, but to be able to raise the sovereignty levels of the Wakatobi society itself. Dwia took the example of the Bali Island that though has attracted a substantial amount of foreign investments, neglected the sovereignty demands of its people. “80% of the lands are owned by foreigners in Bali, including properties, therefore negligence is taking place. These matters cannot happen in Wakatobi,” hoped Dwia.
Wakatobi Regent H. Arhawi, SE hoped that the cooperation with Unhas could provide an advancement value for the locals of Wakatobi. “The Wakatobi Regency is unique, known to be a regency that is conserved, with only 3% the islands consisting of land,” stated Arhawi. Such conditions have made the Government Office to have initiatives in developing Wakatobi, not in a matter that would be conflicting with existing regulations. “Therefore we hope that through the companionship of Unhas, we can develop a unique region,” hoped Arhawi enthusiastically.
The MoU signing also was attended by the Region Secretary along with several DPRD Wakatobi members and all of the SKPD, meanwhile for Unhas, those present include Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Syamsul Bahri, SH, MH, Vice Rector IV Prof. dr. Budu, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sumbangan Baja, M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. dr. Ashadul Islam, Ph.D., and the Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Prof. Dr. Sudirman. (**)
