Rector of Universitas Indonesia (UI) Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. and Chairman of Mangkunegara Surakarta Foundation Sri Paduka Mangkoenagoro X signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at University Central Administration Building, Depok, West Java, yesterday (Monday, 27/03). The cooperation aims to expand the implementation of higher education in the fields of education, research, and community service between UI and Mangkunegara Surakarta Foundation.
Prof. Ari on that occasion said that higher education must invest in knowledge to provide added value to institutions and society. “Through this collaboration, UI and Mangkunegara Surakarta Foundation collaborate to support and preserve the nation’s culture. This cooperation is expected to strengthen collaboration between academics and the community, especially in preserving and developing Mangkunegaran Temple,” said Prof. Ari.
This cooperation includes five important points. First, the implementation of education, research, community service, and training. Second, the organization of research collaboration and resource development. Third, the collaboration in scientific activities, scientific studies, seminars, and workshops. Fourth, the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka program. Finally, the improvement and development of human resource competencies.
Sri Paduka Mangkoenagoro X mentioned that Mangkunegaran is one of the centers of Javanese culture. The influence of globalization and modernization, on the other hand, raises people’s longing for culture. “Through the introduction of culture and collaboration with universities, the impact will be stronger with the support of the media and collaborators who have explored previous cultures. Hopefully, we will spread a big impact, especially in terms of positive culture for the wider community,” said Sri Paduka Mangkoenagoro X.
Sri Paduka said that ancient manuscripts were still stored neatly at Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace in Solo, which required further handling. Likewise, dances and many other relics there need to be preserved. According to him, prior to the signing of this MoU, various forms of cooperation opportunities had been discussed with the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UI.
Last year, Prof. Ari and the vice-chancellors, accompanied by UI Secretary along with the executives from University Central Administration, Faculties, Schools, and Vocational Education Programs, had the opportunity to visit Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace in Solo. They were warmly welcomed by Sri Paduka Mangkoenagoro X, who is also an alumnus of UI.
At the signing of the MoU yesterday, a number of UI executives were also present: Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Assets Prof. Dr. Ir. Dedi Priadi, DEA; Dean of FIB UI Dr. Bondan Kanumoyoso, M. Hum.; Dean of the Faculty of Law Dr. Edmon Makarim, S.Kom., S.H, LL.M; Director of Cooperation Dr. Toto Pranoto, S.E, M.M.; Head of Public Relations and Public Information Disclosure Bureau, Dra. Amelita Lusia, M.Si.; Head of Subdirectorate for Academic Cooperation UI Dr. Eko Saka Purnama; Head of Subdirectorate for Management and Development of Business Units (DPPU) UI Ahmadi Siringgo Ringgo; as well as Deputy Director for Education, Research and Student Affairs for the Vocational Education Program Deni Danial Kesa, MBA., Ph.D.
