Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Ministry of Transportation agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on the development of Aerotropolis in the area around the new capital city.
Cooperation between parties will be carried out through the Transportation Research and Development Agency (Balitbanghub) of the Ministry of Transportation and the UGM Research Directorate. The signing was carried out by the UGM Research Director, Prof. Mustofa., Apt., M.Kes., and Head of the Research and Development Center for Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Capt. Novyanto Widadi, S.AP., MM., at Balairung, UGM Head Office, Tuesday (8/6). Also witnessing the UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU., ASEAN., Eng., and Head of Balitbanghub Kemenhub, Dr. Umar Aris., S.H., M.M., M.H.
Head of Balitbanghub Kemenhub, Dr. Umar Aris., SH, MM, MH, said that this memorandum of understanding is the first step in the framework of mutually beneficial cooperation efforts by utilizing the potential, expertise and facilities of each party in the context of organizing cooperation in Aerotropolis Development in the areas around the new capital city. In addition, it also explores the potential for future collaborations in terms of research, provision, and human resource development.
“Previously, UGM and Balitbanghub of the Ministry of Transportation have collaborated in the field of Tri Dharma, human resource development, and transportation technology. The hope is that we can continue to strengthen the cooperation that has taken place. Thus, we ask for UGM assistance to become a strategic partner of Balitbanghub Kemenhub,” he said.
He revealed that Balitbanghub Kemenhub is responsible for conducting research and development of transportation in the country, including air transportation. Therefore, his team continues to pursue research to answer various problems and challenges in the field of transportation in Indonesia and provide recommendations in making decisions that are solutive and beneficial for the nation.
Various researches in strategic fields have been carried out related to transportation security, connectivity, accessibility, transportation development, transportation system for the new capital city, transportation development in the 3T area, improving human resources and transportation institutions, and others.
“Transportation progress requires innovation and synergy between stakeholders through the Penta helix approach, so collaboration between academia, business, community, government, and media is needed. Hopefully, through this mutual understanding, we can establish synergistic and implementation cooperation,” he said.
Meanwhile, UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU., ASEAN., Eng., expressed his gratitude for trusting UGM to be a cooperation partner. He also welcomed the cooperation that would be carried out in developing the Aerotropolis in the new capital city.
“With the signing of this memorandum of understanding, it is hoped that the cooperation between the two parties can be even stronger. UGM can provide various things in the development of transportation in Indonesia,” he explained.
According to him, the more developed a country is, the mobility of its people will also increase. Although people’s mobility is currently limited due to the pandemic, human movement will run more intensely in the future.
“The role of transportation here is extraordinary because the issues of convenience, security, and accuracy of transportation are important,” he explained.
Therefore, Panut encouraged continuous research related to transportation issues in the field. With the rapid development of technology, the use of technology also requires adjustments in the transportation sector. Through continuous collaboration between UGM and the Ministry of Transportation, Panut hoped that it can encourage the realization of safe, comfortable, fast, and timely transportation by utilizing various currently available technologies.
“UGM is grateful for this cooperation and hopes that this collaboration can continue to provide the greatest benefit for public transportation in the country. With the collaboration of various parties, the nation can achieve progress in facing the future,” he explained.
The memorandum of understanding between UGM and the Ministry of Transportation is valid for 1 (one) year, starting from the date of signing, and can be extended for a certain period based on the agreement of the parties. The scope of the memorandum of understanding includes preparing comprehensive research reports, preparing research reports, executive summaries, policy briefs and journals, and implementing FGDs/webinars. In addition, knowledge exchange is held to increase the competence of human resources.
