IPB University Collaborates with Bulukumba Regency Government and Lestari Foundation to Promote Integrated Research Based on Regional Potential
IPB University, together with the Bulukumba Regency Government and Lestari Foundation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the Meeting Room of the Faculty of Medicine, IPB University (11/11).
This collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen innovation, regional economic improvement, and integrated research between local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and universities.
IPB University Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni Relation, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, said that Bulukumba is in a very strategic position to realize its regional development vision.
“I believe the regent’s dreams can be realized. It will require extra work, not only at the provincial level, but also in terms of linking up with national policies,” he said.
He emphasized that research, innovation, and the use of technology such as DNA genotyping are very important for advancing the region’s leading commodities.
Prof Iskandar said that science technopark models, such as Daejeon in Korea or Agropolis in France, could inspire the strengthening of the innovation ecosystem in Indonesia.
He believes that Bulukumba has the potential to develop a similar model through collaboration between the local government, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and universities.
“Without strong innovation, we will only go around in circles. Hopefully, we can escape the middle income trap,” he said.
The Regent of Bulukumba, Andi Muchtar Ali Yusuf, also emphasized that cooperation with IPB University and alignment with BRIN are urgent needs to strengthen development based on regional potential.
He shared his experiences and observations regarding the weakness of regional potential studies in Indonesia. “So far, many local governments have been reckless, like ‘illegal drivers’ without any studies,” he said.
Regent Andi Muchtar also highlighted Bulukumba’s enormous potential, ranging from tourism, agriculture, plantations, to 128 kilometers of coastline facing the Makassar Strait and the Banda Sea.
He emphasized the importance of marine, agricultural, and topographical data as the basis for precise regional development planning. “If we work together, Indonesia can take off in 2040, instead of waiting until 2045,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Partnership at the Lestari Foundation, Fernando Galang R, expressed his deep appreciation for the cooperation between the two institutions in his speech.
He emphasized that this MoU is not just a ceremony, but a first step towards a long-term collaboration that will strengthen both parties.
He emphasized that this MoU is not merely a ceremony, but rather the first step toward long-term, mutually reinforcing collaboration.
“The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of our collaborative journey. We hope that it will not end with this ceremony, but will develop into real cooperation with a broad impact,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/AVM)
