18 February 2025
Anonymous Writer
FMIPA PUBLIR RELATIONS – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) participated in the Leadership Working Meeting of the Faculty of the State Universities Cooperation Agency (BKS PTN) for the Western Region in the MIPA field, held from February 13 to 16, 2025, at Universitas Mulawarman (Unmul). The FMIPA USU delegation was led by the Dean of FMIPA USU, Prof. Dr. Nursahara Pasaribu, M.Sc. The event was officially opened by the Rector of Universitas Mulawarman, Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Abdunnur, IPU, ASEAN Eng., and attended by deans of the BKS PTN Western Region for the MIPA field, as well as department heads, study program coordinators, and laboratory heads from FMIPA Universitas Mulawarman. The main agenda of the meeting included preparations for the 2025 Annual Seminar and Meeting (SEMIRATA) and the 2025 Work Program. Additionally, the committee organized a series of activities to introduce FMIPA Unmul and tourism in East Kalimantan.
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The opening ceremony took place in the Theater Room of the Science Learning Center, FMIPA Unmul. The Chairman of BKS Western Region for the MIPA field, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., who also serves as the Dean of FMIPA Universitas Indonesia, stated that the meeting aimed to enhance coordination in the development of MIPA sciences to achieve excellence and societal impact. Additionally, discussions included plans for the 2025 SEMIRATA BKS PTN event, which will be hosted by Universitas Riau. In his speech, the Rector of Unmul emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration among universities, particularly in the MIPA field, to support the equitable distribution of high-quality human resources in realizing Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045.
The meeting brought together representatives from 27 state universities across Sumatra, western Java, and Kalimantan. These included Universitas Syiah Kuala, Universitas Negeri Medan, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Andalas, Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Riau, UIN Suska Riau, Universitas Bangka Belitung, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, Universitas Bengkulu, Universitas Jambi, Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Lampung, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Terbuka, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, IPB University, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Mulawarman, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Universitas Tanjungpura, and Universitas Palangka Raya.
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The meeting also discussed plans for regular scientific webinars in the MIPA field, scheduled throughout 2025. These webinars will serve as a platform for FMIPA and FST lecturers and students to keep up with the latest developments in science and technology in the Western Region of Indonesia. Additionally, BKS Western Region for MIPA aims to strengthen collaboration in scientific journal management and postgraduate programs, including master's and doctoral studies.
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As the host institution, the Dean of FMIPA Universitas Mulawarman, Dr. Dra. Hj. Ratna Kusuma, M.Si., expressed pride and gratitude for the trust placed in Unmul as the event organizer. One of the additional activities prepared by the committee was a sightseeing tour along the Mahakam River aboard a tourist boat while enjoying Borneo's signature fruit, Lai (Durio kutejensis). Participants also observed firsthand the role of the Mahakam River in coal transportation—one of East Kalimantan's main export commodities—and its significance in sustaining the socio-economic life of local communities.
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The participants also attended a special dinner hosted by the Rector of Unmul, along with vice-rectors and deans, at the Rector's official residence. Guests were served traditional Kalimantan dishes, such as Soto Banjar, and enjoyed a warm and lively atmosphere featuring musical performances. In his remarks, the Rector of Unmul expressed his gratitude and bid farewell to the participants, who were scheduled to continue their journey to Balikpapan the following day.
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The meeting also featured a discussion session with the Deputy for Socio-Cultural Affairs and Community Empowerment of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN). During this session, participants received updates on the development of Indonesia’s new capital city and local community empowerment programs to prepare for the transition when the new capital becomes operational. The discussion also explored the role of academia in supporting OIKN through research and community service. The session was highly interactive, with various questions raised on education, social, and economic programs. The Dean of FMIPA Universitas Lampung, Dr. Eng. Heri Satria, M.Si., emphasized the importance of integrating local wisdom with international standards in primary education to prevent local communities from being marginalized in the development of the new capital. The Chairman of BKS Western Region for MIPA expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and excellent organization of the event, acknowledging the impressive execution of all activities.
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The meeting concluded with a closing dinner at Biru Laut Resto in Balikpapan. In his closing remarks, the Dean of FMIPA Unmul extended apologies for any shortcomings during the event and quoted a local saying: "Whoever drinks the water of the Mahakam River will always return." The Chairman of BKS Western Region for MIPA thanked the FMIPA Unmul team for their outstanding hospitality and expressed hope to reunite at SEMIRATA 2025 in Pekanbaru, Riau.
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