Khofifah urges state universities to collaborate on research to develop East Java

Kediri - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa is encouraging collaboration between policymakers and state universities (PTN) to generate research for developing the province. “This is a major challenge for the entire academic community, as it is crucial how this collaboration can produce flagship research for Advanced and Accelerating East Java,” said Governor Khofifah in a statement received in Kediri on Thursday. During the Collaborative Research Event for State Universities in East Java Accelerating to 2026 at the First Working Meeting of the Year 2026 for the Association of Rectors of State Universities in East Java at UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri, the Governor added that if East Java advances and accelerates, it actually has a very strong driving force for an advancing and accelerating Indonesia. Furthermore, Governor Khofifah emphasised the importance of applied science in bridging university research with the needs of various sectors, including industry and business. This applies to connectivity with vocational high schools (SMK). “We often engage in silaturahim with decision-makers. Hopefully, things like this can be conveyed. Building a collaborative flagship research team that can strengthen the strategic roles of universities, in my opinion, is a very noble intention,” said Governor Khofifah. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Association of Rectors of State Universities in East Java, Prof. Nurhasan, stated that this rectors’ forum is a momentum to strengthen the role of science in regional development. He also said that PTN are ready to promote sustainable development and digital transformation as well as act as drivers of change. He added that synergy between PTN and the East Java Provincial Government is very important, because PTN cannot operate alone. “All national issues must be mapped by design. Therefore, synergy between PTN and the East Java Provincial Government (Pemprov) becomes the main key. We cannot walk alone; we must collaborate across institutions, across disciplines, even across sectors,” he said.