Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to engage collaborations and synergies with various institutions as part of its efforts to meet the needs of resource sharing. Therefore, UT established the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreements (PKS) with several Regional Governments (Pemerintah Daerah “Pemda”) in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province.
The signing ceremony for MoU and PKS took place on Tuesday, January 23, 2023. This included the signing of MoU between UT and Pemkab Timor Tengah Selatan and Malaka, as well as the signing of PKS between UT and Pemda Nagekeo. The scope of this collaboration is in the field of higher education services, where Universitas Terbuka serves as the institution providing higher education services, and regional governments act as user institutions.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Acting Governor represented by the Head of the NTT Provincial Education and Culture Office – Linus Lusi, S.Pd., M.Pd., the Acting Mayor of Kupang City represented by the Expert Staff for Community and Human Resources – dr. Ary Wijana, the Regent of Kupang represented by the Head of the Government Section – Nofliyanto F. Amtiran, S.STP, the Subdistrict Head of Kelapa Lima represented by the Head of the Government Section – Johan Lopo, the Head of Oesapa Barat Village represented by the Head of the PMK Section – Yohanes Frai, and the Head of SMK Negeri 2 Soe, along with partners from Bank Mandiri, BRI, BNI, BTN, PT. (Persero) Pos Indonesia, PT. (Persero) Pegadaian, PT. (Persero) Angkasa Pura Supports, representatives of Pokjar Executives, and student representatives.
In his opening remarks, the Director of UT Kupang, Dr. Ajat Sudrajat, M.Pd., reported that PKS agreements were signed with three regencies, which are Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan, Malaka, and Nagekeo. Ajat reported that there were other activities conducted on the same occasion, including the inauguration of 31 Sentra Layanan UT (SaLUT), followed by the inauguration of the Photo Booth and Smart Park.
The signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement was conducted between the UT Rector and the Regent of Timor Tengah Selatan, as well as between the UT Rector and the Regent of Malaka. This was followed by the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the UT Kupang Director and the Head of the Education and Culture Office of Malaka Regency, as well as between UT Kupang Director and the Head of the Education and Culture Office of Nagekeo Regency. The signing continued with the Cooperation Agreement between UT Kupang Director and the Head of SMK Negeri 2 Soe.
In his speech, the Regent of Timor Tengah Selatan, Egusem Pieter Tahun, S.T., M.M., emphasized the importance of this collaboration due to the need for the development of human resources qualifications in Timor Tengah Selatan. With the highest population in NTT Province and an extensive geographical area, there is a need to enhance the quality of human resources, including in remote areas, to ensure equal educational levels with urban areas.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Malaka, Dr. Simon Nahak, S.H., M.H., stated in his address that his policy prioritizes improving the quality of human resources in Malaka. He mentioned that, initially, there were no A-accredited schools at the beginning of his term, but now there are several. The Regent also announced plans to provide scholarships to the community, with the hope of additional scholarships from UT, to accelerate the increase in the gross enrollment rate in Malaka Regency.
The next speech was given by the Acting Regent of Nagekeo, Raymundus Nggajo, S.T., M.Si, who attended via video conference. He stated that the need for human resource improvement in Nagekeo Regency is crucial because many community members, including employees, have qualifications below the bachelor’s level. A similar sentiment was expressed by the Regent of Rote Ndao Regency – Paulina Haning, S.H. – who delivered her speech via video conference.
UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., expressed gratitude in his speech to the Regent of Timor Tengah Selatan Egusem Pieter Tahun, S.T., M.M., and to the Regent of Malaka Dr. Simon Nahak, S.H., M.H., for trusting UT, enabling their students to choose UT for their studies. The Rector stated that through these agreements, UT is ready to assist in providing the best services, ensuring that students are served so that all people in remote areas, who were previously unreachable, can access education and earn their right to it. Regarding the hope expressed by the Regent of Malaka – Dr. Simon Nahak, S.H., M.H. – that UT can also provide scholarships to increase the gross enrollment rate in Malaka Regency, the UT Rector responded that UT also has scholarships for students as a manifestation of UT concern, including the National Outstanding Student Selection (Seleksi Nasional Mahasiswa Berprestasi or “SNMB”).
The Acting Governor of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), represented by the Head of the NTT Provincial Education and Culture Office, Linus Lusi, S.Pd., M.Pd., in his speech, expressed support for UT initiatives to collaborate with district governments. “With UT distance learning system, it will greatly help people or employees who want to study without leaving their jobs,” said the Head of the Education and Culture Office. He mentioned that Timor Tengah Selatan Regency, with the highest population and a massive geographical area, as well as Malaka Regency, with its historical background as Kerajaan Malaka, both require an improvement in human resources. “Every year, around 90,000 high school graduates in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, with about 10% not absorbed in higher education or approximately 10,000 people due to various reasons, including economic, social, geographical, and occupational factors. This is a potential pool of students. Therefore, in the future, it is expected that UT can also collaborate with other district governments,” said Linus Lusi.
After the speeches, the event proceeded with the signing of inscription and the inauguration of SaLUT. Three SaLUT were invited as representatives to be inaugurated. This was followed by a discussion session with journalists. After the event, a lunch gathering was held. Following lunch, the podcast activity commenced at 13:45, featuring a podcast by UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., and the Regent of Malaka, Dr. Simon Mahak, S.H., M.M., with the theme “Opportunities and Hopes for Penda in Improving Human Resources.” Meanwhile, at the same time, a podcast was conducted with the Head of the Education and Culture Office of Malaka, Januarius Boko, S.Fil., M.Sc., and the Head of the Education and Culture Office of Nagekeo, Venantius Minggu, S.Pd., M.Pd. The activity concluded at 14:45 WITA.
