IPB University Signs MoU to Support Belitung’s Vision as a Blue Carbon Island
IPB University and the Government of Belitung Regency officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (2/10).
The collaboration focuses on strengthening human resources, developing research based on local potential, environmental management, and accelerating economic transformation toward sustainable development.
Rector of IPB University, Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet, expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Regent of Belitung and his delegation. He reaffirmed IPB University’s readiness to engage in cross-sectoral collaboration.
“IPB University comprises 14 faculties and schools with more than 38.000 students and approximately 1.500 faculty members. We have more than 330 professors, the highest proportion in Indonesia. In terms of human resources, we are fully prepared to support Belitung Regency,” he stated.
He further explained that IPB University holds a strong global reputation, including ranking among the world’s top 50 institutions in agriculture and forestry, as well as demonstrating excellence in sustainability.
According to him, Belitung Regency is not unfamiliar territory for IPB University, as it has long served as a living laboratory for the university’s tridharma activities education, research, and community service particularly for the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Dr Alim also emphasized the concept of Sustainability with Prosperity, which promotes environmental conservation alongside improvements in community welfare.
He cited the example of agroforestry assistance in Garut since 2018, which successfully increased the added value of coffee production, expanded exports to Europe, and improved the socio-economic conditions of local communities.
“Environmental conservation programs can simultaneously enhance welfare when supported by superior innovation and outstanding talent,” he said.
IPB University also offered various collaboration schemes, ranging from the Regional Representative Scholarship program, environmental and coastal research initiatives, development of innovation based on local commodities, to the One Village One CEO (OVO) program, which aims to build integrated upstream to downstream village ecosystems.
In addition, there are the Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture program (KKNT) and the Lecturer Returns to Hometown initiative, which have delivered 106 innovations to various regions across Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Regent of Belitung, Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat, described the partnership as a strategic momentum to strengthen science, research, and innovation based development. He acknowledged that one of the main challenges faced by his region is the quality of human resources.
“Belitung Regency possesses significant potential in environmental resources, marine and fisheries sectors, plantations, and nature based tourism. However, their management must be measurable and sustainable,” he said.
He reaffirmed his vision of transforming Belitung Regency into a blue carbon island and a role model for economic transformation from dependence on mining toward tourism and the creative economy.
Djoni expressed optimism that, with the assistance of IPB University, Belitung can become a globally recognized pilot project for sustainable development. (dr) (IAAS/FHD)
