IPB is Recommended to Set Up Regional Higher Education

Minister of Education and Culture (Education), Prof. Dr. M. Nuh mandated Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) to open higher education outside its area (regional) so that the public can access the education to a higher level.

"I suggest that IPB open universities outside its area so that people can enjoy the success of IPB," said Education Minister in a press conference before the Scientific Oration by the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the IPB Open Session, part of the 50th IPB’s Anniversary, at Graha Widya Wisuda, Dramaga (20/12)

Nuh said, the distribution of education in West Java province of is not good – not proportional to its large population. The number of high education in West Java region can be counted on the fingers or less than ten, including IPB, ITB, Padjadjaran University, Bandung IAIN, UPI, and two poly-techniques in Bandung.

The small number of educational distribution in West Java, which is not suited to the population, has encouraged the Ministry of Education and Culture to introduce the educational program beyond its domicile (PPD). "I gave a mandate to IPB to expand by setting up universities beyond its domicile."

With the educational expansion, said Nuh, people in disadvantaged areas can pursue higher education from their hometown. "There is an IPB at Tasik. There is an IPB in Cianjur. So a study is possible without leaving hometown and it can cut costs," he said.

As for when it will be realized and how it is technically implemented, the Minister said in 2014 the program is expected to have run. Not only IPB but other colleges in West Java will be involved to develop education in the entire region of West Java.

Meanwhile, Rector of IPB, Prof. Dr. Herry Suhardiyanto, MSc responded that IPB is ready to carry out the mandate of the Ministry of Education and will soon make it happen. (Mtd)