Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono M.Eng., D.Eng., greeted UGM alumni in the Province of Bangka Belitung Islands through the activity titled “UGM Greet Alumni” at Tanjung Tinggi Ballroom, BW Suite Belitung Hotel, Sunday (29/4).
In the event that was packed in the form of hospitality and interactive discussion, the Rector invited UGM alumni and local government officials in Bangka Belitung Islands to a discussion to find out the problems and potentials owned by region that is nicknamed the Country of Laskar Pelangi. Especially in the tourism sector which became the mainstay attraction of the archipelago region located in the east of Sumatra Island.
According to Prof. Panut, the synergy between university and its alumni is very important in supporting the development progress in Bangka Belitung Islands. Moreover, the strategic positions in the government, both at the provincial and regency/municipality(city) levels, are mostly held by UGM alumni.
“UGM is ready to assist and encourage every region in Indonesia to optimize the existing potentials through pre-eminent programs that have been prepared, one of them through student assignation for community service (KKN). This year, we sent 28 KKN students in Suak Gual Village, Belitung to optimize the potential of the tourism sector there,” said Panut in front of more than 200 UGM alumni who attended the event.
The presence of UGM Rector and entourage at UGM in Bangka and Belitung Islands received appreciation from the local government. First Assistant of Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Haryoso, considered that the presence of UGM Rector will bring good value for the progress of Bangka Belitung region.
Specifically to the Rector of UGM, Haryoso requested KKN-PPM program which has been in Bangka Belitung Islands every year to be able to continue in the upcoming years. In fact, according to him, additional locations of KKN, not only in Suak Gual Village, are needed.
“Our human resources are still limited, we hope the Rector can also receive more of our local children to study in Gadjah Mada,” added Haryoso.
UGM Greet Alumni is a program initiated by the Directorate of Partnership, Alumni, and International Affairs UGM with the aim to strengthen the relationship between UGM and its alumni in various regions in Indonesia.
Before meeting the alumni, in the morning, the UGM group led by the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.H., LL.M. visited the location of KKN-PPM UGM located in Mendanau Island, Belitung Regency. The visit, scheduled for 3 days in Bangka and Belitung Islands Province, will end with the signing of a joint memorandum of understanding between UGM and several local government agencies on Monday (30/4) at the Regent of Belitung Regency office.
Province of Bangka Belitung Islands became the second region this year that is visited by UGM Rector. Previously, UGM Greet Alumni visited the alumni in West Papua Province. [Eggy/Farah]