Mataram, University of Mataram – Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems of the University of Mataram (Unram), Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D., attended the submission of a joint agreement document between the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and a number of universities. The event took place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the NTB Governor’s Hall.

The agreement document was handed over directly by the Acting (Pj) Governor of NTB, Hassanudin, to the Vice Rector IV of Unram, Prof. Akmaluddin. This cooperation is part of an effort to strengthen the synergy between local governments and universities in supporting research and innovation in NTB.

In his remarks, the Head of the NTB Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), Lalu Suryadi, S.P., M.M., conveyed the importance of collaboration with universities. “We at BRIDA started by collaborating with universities in NTB because we cannot carry out various research and innovation programs on our own. We need partners, and universities are the most strategic partners,” he said. He also hopes that the allocation of resources provided can be maximally utilized to support the progress of research and innovation in NTB.

In his remarks, the Acting Governor of NTB, Hassanudin, emphasized the importance of synergy between universities to encourage the advancement of education in NTB. Hassanudin also expressed his hope that universities in NTB can become strategic partners of the government in realizing sustainable development, in line with the vision of a Golden Indonesia. “The NTB Provincial Government needs multi-stakeholder involvement, one of which is educational institutions in formulating effective and efficient strategies and solutions,” he said.

This agreement is expected to be the initial step to strengthen cooperation between the government and universities in developing research, innovation, and improving the quality of education in NTB. With solid collaboration, various strategic programs in education and technology are expected to be well implemented for the improvement of the region.