IPB, Jambi University, Tadulako University and Georg-August University of Gottingen Stud Make Studies of Sumatra Forest
IPB makes a collaborative research with two universities in Indonesia, namely Jambi University and Tadulako University and one university in Germany, Georg-August-University of Gottingen. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed along with the Seminar “Ecological and Socioeconomic Function of Tropical Lowland Rainforest Transformation Systems (Sumatra, Indonesia), 20/6. The event, which was held at IPB International Convention Center, was attended by four university rectors, researchers and students from the four universities.
The study will be conducted one of the lowlands in the tropical rain forest of Jambi Province, Sumatra. The project of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) will analyze and compare various issues including biodiversity, soil fertility, water, and greenhouse gases. Other studies will also be carried out on the economic, social cultural and political aspects related to the transformation of rain forest, according to Vice-Rector for Research and Cooperation of IPB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Miftah Anas Fauzi.
Deputy for the Division of Science and Technology, Ministry of Research and Technology, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Lakitan, when meeting with the press, said that this research collaboration is a way to accelerate the progress of research in Indonesia as it is well known that the research publication of Indonesia is still relatively very limited. "In addition, the initiative of IPB to cooperate with the universities, the region of which the studies will be conducted in, is very good as this can help with the research publication of the universities in the region," he said.
Prof. Benjamin says that the Ministry will always remind of some aspects especially related to the research permit for foreign parties in Indonesia. This is meant not to extend the procedure, but rather to protect the natural wealth of Indonesia so as not to be taken away by any other country.
Related to the cooperation with the University of Gottingen, Prof. Anas said that Gottingen and IPB has long been in cooperation since 1990. A lot has been made in the cooperation including student exchanges. Many teaching staffs of IPB are the alumni of Gottingen University and vice versa. "Not surprisingly, within the long period of time in cooperation, a mutual trust has emerged. The seminar was opened by Rector of IPB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Herry Suhardiyanto, MSc. (Mtd)
