The Wajo Regency Government and Hasanuddin University (Unhas) have agreed to cooperate in various fields for regional development. The agreement is set out in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Regent of Wajo, Dr. H. Amran Mahmud, S.Sos, M.Si, and the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA.
The MoU signing took place on Monday (23 September) in Meeting Room A on the 4th floor of the Unhas Rectorate Building, starting at 09:00 WITA (Central Indonesia Time). Several heads of regional agencies from the Wajo Regency Government also attended the signing. From Unhas, those present included the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), deans from across Unhas, directors and bureau officials.
In opening remarks, the Rector of Unhas welcomed the cooperation. Unhas is indeed committed to supporting regional development in line with its areas of competence.
“We are delighted that the Regent has come to Unhas. We have indeed met many times, but this meeting has a different significance. Today I have brought together the leaders of faculties and institutes and the directors from across Unhas, showing our readiness to help with whatever we can contribute to development in Wajo Regency,” said Prof. Dwia.
According to Prof. Dwia, the relationship between Unhas and the Wajo Regency Government has strong historical and social roots. Unhas once had a Rector who had previously served as Regent of Wajo, Prof. Radi A. Gani, who left a positive development legacy in Wajo Regency.
“At present, more Unhas professors come from Wajo than from any other region. This is a potential we must harness for the advancement of Wajo Regency. What’s more, Wajo is one of the leading regions, with a great deal of potential. Take, for example, the potential of Lake Tempe, or of the silk craft industry, which has helped raise the profile of South Sulawesi. Not to mention agricultural produce and other natural resources,” said Prof. Dwia.
On the same occasion, the Regent of Wajo expressed appreciation for the willingness of Unhas to work with the regency. The Regent’s enthusiasm was evident in the wish for the MoU to be turned directly into a cooperation agreement (PKS) for implementation, as quickly as possible if need be.
“Besides, in several areas we actually already have activities that involve people from Unhas,” said Dr. Amran.
In brief remarks, the Regent of Wajo outlined the potential of Wajo Regency. The region has promising potential in agriculture, fisheries, mining and tourism. In agriculture, Wajo Regency is the largest rice producer in South Sulawesi and was once even recorded as the second-largest rice producer in the country.
“In fisheries, meanwhile, we have Lake Tempe, which has drawn the attention of the central government. In addition, the eastern part of Wajo has a coastline stretching 103 kilometers. We already produce seaweed. If we process it all the way from upstream to downstream, it could become an abundant source of income for the community,” said Dr. Amran.
In terms of natural resources, Wajo Regency has natural gas that already supplies up to a quarter of the electricity needs of two provinces (South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi). The natural gas has also been developed into a city gas network, with gas lines already reaching people’s homes.
“We also have needs in the field of silk weaving. Wajo’s 13,000 silk artisans depend heavily on raw materials from China. If Unhas could help us cultivate silkworm eggs, it would be a great help to us. The Governor fully supports our wish to restore the glory of Wajo silk, and even personally led a focus group discussion (FGD) on the matter. We appeal to Unhas to help us,” said the Regent.
After the MoU was signed, a brief discussion was held on initial plans from each of the disciplines and areas of expertise at Unhas, including marine science and fisheries, medicine, engineering and dentistry. On that occasion, the Head of the Unhas Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M), Prof. Alimuddin Unde, proposed that a joint workshop be held soon.
“In my view, so that we can build synergy, especially among the units at Unhas, I propose that Unhas and Wajo, through the relevant regional agencies, sit down together in a workshop. Together we can discuss what Wajo Regency needs and what Unhas can offer with its existing expertise,” said Prof. Alimuddin.
The MoU signing and discussion lasted until 11:00 WITA.(*)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.