Banggai Laut Leaders Advance Education Through University Partnership
In a significant step toward regional development, the Regent of Banggai Laut, Sofyan Kaepa, SH., M.Si., along with thirteen local government officials, officially received their Master’s degrees from Hasanuddin University (Unhas). The graduation ceremony, held on Friday (11/4) at Baruga A.P. Pettarani, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, underscored the strengthening collaboration between the Banggai Laut administration and the academic institution in fostering human resource advancement.
A Strategic Move for Regional Development
The officials completed their studies in the Anthropology program under the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). Their academic achievement reflects a deliberate strategy by the Banggai Laut government to elevate the quality of its workforce, addressing previous gaps in education and expertise.
In an interview, Regent Sofyan expressed pride in the milestone, emphasizing its role in transforming the region’s Human Development Index (HDI). “Previously, our HDI ranked low, and access to higher education was limited. Today, through our partnership with Unhas, we are producing highly educated public servants ready to drive tangible progress in Banggai Laut,” he stated.
Beyond Education: Strengthening Public Services
The collaboration extends beyond academia, directly impacting public services—particularly healthcare. Through Unhas’s Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS), the regency has gained consistent access to specialized medical professionals, a critical need for the island region.
“This partnership transcends formal education—it enhances public welfare. Where we once struggled to secure specialist doctors, Unhas now provides steady support. This synergy delivers real results,” Sofyan added. He further commended Unhas Rector Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa for the university’s commitment to Banggai Laut’s progress.
Unhas’s Commitment to Maritime and Island Development
Prof. Jompa highlighted the alignment between Unhas’s maritime vision and Banggai Laut’s potential, particularly its unique assets like the endemic Banggai Cardinal Fish. “We take pride in contributing to Banggai Laut’s human capital growth. This collaboration will expand into community service and innovation, reinforcing sustainable development,” he affirmed.
The university’s focus on maritime and island regions makes the partnership with Banggai Laut a strategic priority, ensuring long-term mutual benefits.
List of Banggai Laut Officials Awarded Master’s Degrees
The following officials graduated in Unhas’s April 2025 convocation:
- Regent of Banggai Laut: Sofyan Kaepa, SH., M.Si.
- Regional Secretary: Drs. Ruslan, M.Si.
- Head of BPKAD: Hasbullah Talaba, SE., M.Si.
- Head of Fisheries: Sumarto M. Lalu, S.Sos., M.Si.
- Head of Health Office: Nurdin Musa, S.Sos., M.Si.
- Council Secretary: Abdi Kamindang, SH, M.Si.
- Bokan Kepulauan District Head: Sudirto Kamindang, SH., M.Si.
- Bangkurung District Head: Adiwijaya Ndiba, SH., M.Si.
- BKPSDMD Secretary: Maryani Yusuf Tolani, SE, M.Si.
- Tourism Marketing Head: Irnawati Dj Londa, S.Sos, M.Si.
- Legal Bureau Head: Sofyan Lans, SH, M.Si.
- Rahmat Hidayat Ibaad, SH, M.Si.
- Hisayni, S.Hi, M.Si.
- Sun Efrianti Rauf, SE, M.Si.
A Model for Regional-Academic Synergy
This initiative sets a precedent for how local governments can leverage academic partnerships to address development challenges. For Banggai Laut, investing in education translates into improved governance, healthcare, and economic resilience—an approach other regions may emulate.
As Prof. Jompa noted, “The journey doesn’t end here. We aim to deepen this collaboration, ensuring Banggai Laut’s growth is inclusive and sustainable.”
With this milestone, Banggai Laut reaffirms its commitment to progress, backed by the transformative power of education. (*aih)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
