UT and KLHK Sign MoU for Environmental and Forestry Development

In an endeavour to strengthen its partnership network, Universitas Terbuka (UT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The MoU was signed by UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., and the Secretary General of KLHK, Dr. Ir. Bambang Hendroyono, M.M. The agreement focuses on the Implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education in Environmental and Forestry Development. The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Manggala Wanabakti Building, Block I, 3rd Floor. The UT officials present at the event were Dr. Lilik Sulistyowati, M.Si., Director of UT Malang, Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and Dr. Maya Maria, S.E., M.M., Head of the Sub Directorate of Public Relations and Marketing. From KLHK, there were Ir. Hanni Adiati, M.Si., Special Staff to the Minister of Environment and Forestry for NGO Networking and Environmental Impact Analysis, Dr. Ir. Apik Karyana, M.Sc., Head of the Planning Bureau, Drs. A. Palguna Ruteka, Acting Head of the P2SDM Agency, as well as representatives from the first and second echelons within KLHK.

In his speech, the Rector stated that UT is a state university that emphasizes Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The government established the university in 1984, offering highly flexible learning schedules, affordable tuition fees, and unlimited study duration. Therefore, UT is a suitable choice, especially for Civil Servants (PNS) within the KLHK. The Rector also emphasized that UT ensures the quality of education through evaluations conducted by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE).

In response to the Rector's speech, the Secretary General of KLHK directed that after the signing of the MoU, it is expected to immediately proceed with the formulation of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between UT and relevant directorates within KLHK. He highlighted two aspects that could be addressed in the formulation of the PKS, namely the provision of forestry extension services and the development of the capacity of KLHK employees with specific functional positions. These functional positions include Manggala Agni (Forest Rangers), Forestry Police, and Government Employees with Work Agreements (P3K), who make up a significant number and have the potential to pursue further studies at UT.