Indo Global Mandiri University (IGM) and Muaraenim Regency Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community service.

The signing of the MoU was carried out by the Rector of IGM University, Dr. H Marzuki Alie and the Acting (Pj.) Regent of Muara Enim, H. Henky Putrawan, S.Pt., M.Si., M.M., at the Muara Enim Regency Office, Tuesday (11/2). On the same occasion, Muara Enim Regency Government also signed MoUs with other partners, such as Sumatra Institute of Technology and Baturaja University.

Rector of Indo Global Mandiri University, Dr. H. Marzuki Ali, emphasized that cooperation between the world of education and various external sectors is very important to create links and alignment (link and match) between universities and the needs of the outside world, including governments, corporate organizations, BUMN, and BUMD. This step is needed so that the existing study programs at universities are able to answer the real needs in the world of work and national development.

According to Dr. Marzuki Ali, it is necessary to erase the assumption that the government always uses consultant services in vital projects, even though experts in universities have the capacity to fill this role. Universities have competent and experienced academic resources in various scientific fields that can be collaborated with various strategic government projects.

How to synergize experts at universities with the needs of the government is a challenge that needs to be addressed. By building close communication and sustainable cooperation patterns, universities can make a real contribution to regional development, while the government can utilize academic expertise to support strategic policies and projects, he explained.

According to him, one concrete example of this synergy is the continued cooperation between UIGM and the Muara Enim Regency Government. The local government has shown high commitment in collaborating with universities to create research-based and academic policies.

Through this close cooperation, it is expected that new initiatives will emerge in the development of public policies that are more based on data and academic studies. Universities can be strategic partners in presenting more effective and sustainable solutions for regional development and improving national competitiveness. With continuously strengthened synergy, the world of education and the external sector will complement each other for mutual progress, he said.

Meanwhile, Pj. Regent of Muara Enim, H. Henky Putrawan, S.Pt., M.Si., M.M., said that Muara Enim Regency has abundant natural resources. However, its utilization must be supported by improving the quality of human resources. He also highlighted the importance of real experience-based education outside the classroom so that students can understand social life more deeply. (andhiko ta/sapta mh)