UI Commits to Supporting Accelerated Development in South Papua
The Vice Rector of Universitas Indonesia (UI) for Academic Affairs, Mahmud Sudibandriyo, has emphasised UI’s commitment to supporting the accelerated development of South Papua.
“As the best university in the country, UI wants to develop sustainable partnerships with South Papua, ensuring that the real impact of implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education can be felt by the people of South Papua,” he said in Depok on Friday.
He stated that as Indonesia’s youngest province, it greatly requires collaboration with cross-sector partners to accelerate its development.
Meanwhile, South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo, accompanied by provincial government officials, expressed appreciation for UI’s welcome and emphasised the importance of educational collaboration to support his region’s development.
This includes accelerating development in South Papua, both in improving the quality of higher education and in addressing regional development issues from infrastructure, health, to the economy,” he revealed.
This collaboration stems from UI’s experience in sending the Patriot Expedition Team to South Papua in 2025.
The team, led by UI Professor Bambang Shergi Laksmono, contributed to handling local infrastructure, health, and economic issues. Governor Apolo praised the expedition team’s contributions, which were deemed to have a real impact on South Papuan residents.
In addition, through the Papua Center (PACE) established in 2012, UI has long been committed to advancing Papuan education and culture through student exchange programmes, ethnographic research, scientific publications, and academic capacity building.
Furthermore, UI plans to form a Real Work Lecture (KKN) team as a continuation of the Patriot Expedition Team’s commitment, sending more UI researchers and students to make tangible contributions to building South Papua.
“The most valuable benefit of this collaboration is the brotherhood built between UI and the government, universities, and people of South Papua,” he said.
Although this partnership positions UI as an assisting institution, I personally see South Papua as a gem that inspires the UI academic community to always have a real impact and build closer relationships with all levels of society.
Universitas Indonesia (UI) received an honorary visit from South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo on Thursday (16/4) at the Central Administration Building, UI Depok Campus.
The main agenda of this meeting was the signing of a Joint Agreement Note (NKB) between UI and the South Papua Provincial Government regarding the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education, which encompasses education and teaching, research, and community service.