Kalimantan universities urged to leverage IKN for research and internships

Penajam Paser Utara - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) states that Kalimantan has significant potential in developing higher education integrated with the construction of the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan.

“IKN is currently under construction and serves as Indonesia’s largest living laboratory,” said Kemdiktisaintek Secretary General Badri Munir Sukoco when asked about higher education institutions in the presence of IKN in Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara, on Saturday.

He assessed that the presence of IKN should be utilised to strengthen collaboration with universities in Kalimantan, enabling students to gain opportunities for research, internships, and thematic real work lectures (KKN) in the new capital.

“Universities can contribute to realising a more sustainable Indonesia with IKN as a role model,” Badri stated.

Meanwhile, Chair of House Commission X Hetifah Sjaifudian emphasised the importance of clarity in the roles of the central government, local government, and higher education institutions in building an educational ecosystem in Kalimantan.

“Of course, all of this can be achieved through synergy between the central government, local government, and higher education institutions,” she said.

Hetifah also assessed that such collaboration is crucial to accelerate the realisation of superior human resources towards Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045.

The IKN Authority, together with universities across Kalimantan, is jointly building Indonesia’s new capital to create a city for the people.

“This collaboration is expected to give birth to curricula that meet future needs and strengthen IKN’s role as a centre for human resource development,” said Bimo.