BULUKUMBA – Accelerating regional development depends not only on government policy but also on the support of science, innovation, and stronger human resource capacity. Collaboration between universities and regional governments is an important element in delivering research-based solutions that meet community needs while driving sustainable development.
In that spirit, Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and the Bulukumba Regency Government continue to strengthen their partnership through the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education (education, research, and community service) in various strategic sectors. This synergy is expected to give rise to innovations that deliver real benefits to the community.
As a follow-up to this commitment, the Rector of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., together with the university leadership, paid a visit to the Bulukumba Regency Government on Saturday (18 July) to discuss strengthening cooperation in support of regional development.
In the meeting, the two sides discussed several strategic agendas, including optimizing the use of Unhas’s 90 hectares of land, support from the Bulukumba Regency Government in providing seedlings, the implementation of Unhas Community Service in connection with the Dies Natalis (anniversary), one of whose locations is centered in Bulukumba, and the development of an education acceleration program for Bulukumba’s young people, which will be set out in a cooperation agreement (PKS).
The Unhas Rector stressed that Bulukumba is a strategic partner in realizing a Tridharma of Higher Education oriented toward solving community problems. Every collaboration must begin with a mapping of needs so that the solutions offered truly match the challenges on the ground.
“By identifying problems in the field, Unhas can deliver solutions based on research, innovation, and a scientific approach tailored to the region’s needs and characteristics,” said Prof. JJ.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Bulukumba, Andi Muchtar Ali Yusuf, stressed that collaboration with Hasanuddin University is a strategic step in accelerating regional development. The Regent hopes the collaboration can optimize Bulukumba Regency’s development potential.
“We see Unhas as a partner in improving the quality of human resources and strengthening the region’s leading sectors, such as bananas and tourism. Bulukumba also has great potential in the fisheries sector, which until now has not been developed optimally. We hope Unhas can provide assistance,” said Andi Utta, the Bulukumba Regent’s familiar nickname.
Andi Utta added that the Bulukumba Regency Government is ready to support various forms of collaboration that are expected to act as a catalyst for regional development. Developing areas based on local potential, building community capacity, and delivering well-targeted education and community service programs are believed to strengthen Bulukumba’s competitiveness while sustainably improving community welfare. (*/aya)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.