In East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), expanding access to higher education requires more than campus buildings and lecture halls. Across a province with diverse geographical challenges, quality academic services, qualified teaching staff, learning facilities, and effective institutional governance are all essential to ensuring that higher education reaches more communities. With this shared vision, Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) and Universitas Terbuka (UT) Kupang have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi) across the province.

The renewed commitment was discussed during a meeting between Undana Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jefri S. Bale, S.T., M.Eng., and UT Kupang Director Dr. Albert Gamot Malau, S.Si., M.Si., along with representatives from both institutions, at the Undana Rectorate meeting room on Thursday (June 18, 2026). The meeting focused on extending the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) that have long served as the framework for collaboration in education, research, and community service.

For both universities, the partnership represents far more than an administrative agreement. Undana and UT Kupang have maintained a longstanding relationship that has fostered various forms of academic collaboration and mutual institutional support. Undana Rector Prof. Jefri Bale emphasized that the partnership should continue to grow in order to address the increasingly complex challenges facing higher education.

“UT is not a new partner for Undana. We have carried out many activities and collaborations together. Therefore, communication and coordination must continue so that this partnership delivers even greater benefits for both institutions,” Prof. Jefri said.

The long-standing partnership is reflected in numerous collaborative initiatives. Over the years, Undana faculty members have served as tutors in various UT academic programs. The two universities have also worked together in developing information systems, strengthening university governance, and implementing a range of other academic activities.

Beyond academic collaboration, Undana also views UT’s institutional experience as an important reference for organizational development. Prof. Jefri noted that UT’s experience in operating under the Public Service Agency (BLU) governance model provides valuable insights as Undana prepares to transition into a State-Owned Legal Entity University (PTNBH).

“UT has extensive experience and strong institutional governance. That experience serves as an important reference for us as we strengthen our institution in preparation for becoming a PTNBH,” he said.

Prof. Jefri further emphasized that Undana remains fully committed to sharing its resources with UT, including expert personnel and campus facilities. According to him, the partnership is founded on the principle of mutual support in carrying out the Three Pillars of Higher Education.

“Nothing at Undana is closed to UT. If there are resources that can be shared—whether experts or facilities—we are more than willing to collaborate. The spirit of this partnership is mutual support in implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education,” he added.

Meanwhile, UT Kupang Director Albert Gamot Malau expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Undana’s leadership. He acknowledged that Undana has played a significant role in UT Kupang’s development since its establishment in the region.

“This partnership has existed for many years. We came not only to strengthen our relationship but also to discuss the next steps in our collaboration,” Albert said.

Albert explained that, as an open university, UT relies heavily on partnerships with higher education institutions. Such collaborations include access to laboratory facilities, academic tutors, and support for various educational programs.

“Many of the tutors who support learning at UT come from Undana. That makes this partnership extremely strategic for us,” he said.

Through the renewal of the MoU and Cooperation Agreement, UT Kupang hopes to further expand its collaboration with Undana while adapting to the evolving needs of higher education. The partnership also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

“We hope this well-established partnership will continue to grow and make even greater contributions to education, research, and community service,” Albert said.

The meeting at the Undana Rectorate delivered a clear message: strengthening higher education in East Nusa Tenggara requires collaboration rather than isolated efforts. It depends on partnerships built on trust, openness, and mutual support. In this context, the partnership between Undana and UT Kupang represents more than the renewal of institutional agreements—it reflects a shared commitment to making higher education in NTT more accessible, adaptive, and impactful for the communities it serves.