Mataram, Universitas Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) hosted a Panel Dialogue on Renewable Energy Cooperation in the Balkan Region: A Case Study of Renewable Energy Projects in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the Senate Conference Room at Unram.

The event was attended by delegations from several Balkan countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania who came specifically to explore opportunities for research and development partnerships in renewable energy with Unram. The delegates, representing the embassies of their respective countries, engaged in discussions on the prospects of renewable energy cooperation between the Balkan region and NTB.

Unram Rector, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., emphasized the university’s readiness to actively engage in international cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

“The delegations from the Balkan countries have come to Unram to explore opportunities for collaboration through a preliminary survey. This initiative represents both a challenge and a significant opportunity. Unram stands ready to support this partnership by engaging in constructive dialogue, identifying potential obstacles, and formulating concrete steps forward,” stated the Rector.

Further, the Rector emphasized the importance of utilizing natural resources in West Nusa Tenggara to advance renewable energy.

“We have dams that can be optimized for hydroelectric power, as well as the potential of solar, wind, and other renewable resources. Maximizing these opportunities is crucial to advancing renewable energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” he added.

The Rector of Unram also expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Balkan delegation and conveyed his hope that the dialogue would lead to tangible outcomes. “We are grateful for your presence. It is our hope that this forum will enable us to find solutions together,” he concluded.

This panel dialogue marked an important first step toward a strategic collaboration between Unram, the local government, and international partners to position West Nusa Tenggara as one of Indonesia’s pioneers in renewable energy development.