Mataram, University of Mataram – The Institute for Research and Community Service of University of Mataram (LPPM Unram) received a visit from the Institute for Research and Community Service of University of Brawijaya (LPPM UB) to follow up on cooperation in Research and Journal Publication. This activity took place in the Main Conference Room of LPPM Unram on Thursday (11/23).

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the FT UB Journal Publishing Board, Prof. Gunawan Prayitno, S.P., M.T., Ph.D. accompanied by the secretary and coordinators in the FT UB Journal Publishing Board structure. While from LPPM Unram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Gusti Putu Muliarta Aryana, MP. as the Secretary of LPPM was accompanied by the Research Coordinator, Prof. Ir. Buan Anshari, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D.; Conference and IPR Coordinator, Prof. Drs. Aris Doyan, M.Asi., Ph.D.; KKN and Cooperation Coordinator, Dr. Ir. Misbahuddin, ST., MT., IPU.; and Program, Data Information and Quality Coordinator, I Wayan Sudiarta, Ph.D..

Starting this meeting, the Secretary of LPPM Unram, Prof. Muliarta explained the Special Locations (LOCUS) and Focus of Research and Community Service (PKM) Unram. “In the Unram Research Master Plan (RIP), it has been determined that Unram’s flagship research umbrella is the Management of Sustainable Small Island Areas,” he said.

Furthermore, I Wayan Sudiarta, Ph.D. as Program Coordinator, Information Data and Quality continued, “with the Special Location (LOCUS) and the focus of research and service listed in this RIP, it is expected to be able to boost the achievement of the Main Performance Indicators (IKU) of the University of Mataram”.

To accelerate the achievement of the vision and mission, the implementation of the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) policy, and the achievement of Unram’s Main Performance Indicators (IKU), as well as the benefits of Unram for partners, LPPM Unram is refocusing priority research on 5 regional loci with 5 research focuses.

The determination of 5 loci is carried out with various considerations including urgency, excellence and uniqueness of natural resources, synergism with national and international policies, as well as the availability of research and human resources (researchers). The five priority area loci include: (1) Rinjani Geopark, (2) Mandalika Special Economic Zone, (3) Alas Hijau Strait, (4) SaMoTa (Teluk Saleh-Moyo-Tambora), and (5) SaKoSa (Sape-KomodoSangiang).

Prof. Gunawan, Chairman of the FT UB Journal Publishing Board is very motivated and interested in holding research and community service cooperation between Unram and UB.

“Seeing the exposure of the Special Location and Focus of research and service of the University of Mataram with all its natural potential, we really hope to work together in various research and service activities as well as national and international conference activities carried out by the University of Mataram,” said Prof. Gunawan.

This was responded well by the Research Coordinator of LPPM Unram, Prof. Buan Anshari. He explained that the urgency of the existence of Mount Rinjani for the lives of the people of Lombok Island is very vital because it is a source of life.

“Mount Rinjani as a source of life with 90% of the watershed on Lombok Island, is ‘home’ to 19 species of mammals, 8 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 160 species of birds, 25 species of butterflies, 447 species of trees, 59 species of ferns, 117 species of fungi, 80 species of orchids, 28 species of lianas, 6 species of rattan, and 153 species of medicinal plants. The exogenic geological processes that occur in the Sembalun Ancient Caldera which become continuous alluvial deposits cause this area to be very rich in nutrients so that it is very potential for agriculture with a landscape of garlic, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, coffee, strawberries, and spices, “said the Research Coordinator of LPPM Unram.

Furthermore, Prof. Aris Doyan, Coordinator of Conferences and IPR explained that, “this year LPPM University of Mataram held 3 National Seminars namely the National Seminar on Service, Science and Technology and Social and Humanities, while 2 International Seminars in the fields of Science and Technology (ICST) and Soshum (ICSS). This can be a concrete step in following up the cooperation that has been built between LPPM University of Mataram and LPPM University of Brawijaya “.

In addition to conducting research and community service carried out by lecturers and researchers, Unram also distributes students through Real Work Lectures (KKN) Village Community Empowerment (PMD) based on problems in the community.

In this case Dr. Misbahuddin as the KKN and Cooperation Coordinator explained, “KKN-PMD in 2023 consists of 14 themes including Desapreneur, Advanced and Zero Agricultural Village, Tourism Village, Healthy Village, Advanced and Sustainable Agricultural Village especially Porang Commodity, Corn, Rice, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries in Dompu Regency, Disaster Resilient Village (DESTANA), Healthy Village with Stunting Theme, Digital Village, and Underdeveloped Village”.

“After students are withdrawn from the KKN location, they are required to participate in a national seminar and product exhibition as a place to showcase the products of KKN-PMD. However, later each group of 14 themes is expected to be able to participate in the Innovation Contest activities held by the Business and Innovation Incubator (KUBINOV) of Mataram University,” added Dr. Misbahuddin.

Based on the excellence of research resources, contributions to research performance and community service, as well as achievements in nationally competitive research, including laboratories, Science and Technology Centers of Excellence, and other aspects, Unram sets five main focuses in research activities. The five research focuses include: (1) food, (2) health and medicine, (3) energy, (4) environment and tourism, and (5) education, social, economic, legal, and humanities.

The existence of 5 focuses with 5 research focuses is expected to encourage the realization of synergism between LPPM Unram and LPPM UB more tangible and useful for the community, government, business world, and the world of work.