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UNAIR NEWS – (UNAIR) has formalized a partnership with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) through a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration focuses on advancing the fields of quarantine, education, research, and technology, and includes initiatives to enhance human resources, science, and technology. The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in the Amerta Room on the 4th Floor of UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus management office.

This collaboration between Barantin and UNAIR is part of Barantin’s initiative to establish partnerships with various universities across Indonesia, creating a foundation for both parties to work closely in quarantine-related activities and facilitate collaborative projects in the future.

Commitment to provide support

The event opened with remarks by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak and Barantin Head Dr. Sahat M. Panggabean. Prof. Nasih highlighted UNAIR’s fully-equipped laboratory facilities, notably within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH), which aligns with Barantin’s mission. He affirmed UNAIR’s commitment to supporting various testing and research initiatives.

“We have FKH and several laboratories prepared for any required testing. I hope that this MoU will lead to further research and other joint projects with UNAIR,” Prof. Nasih stated.

Prof. Nasih also highlighted how the MoU aligns with UNAIR’s commitment to lifelong education. “UNAIR welcomes students pursuing advanced degrees, including Master’s and Doctoral programs, as well as specialized initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s intellectual growth. UNAIR is therefore always prepared to collaborate with Barantin,” he remarked, emphasizing the alignment with UNAIR’s commitment to national development.

Role of higher education

Dr. Sahat M. Panggabean, Head of Barantin, shared insights into Barantin’s goal of meeting international standards and expressed his ambition for Indonesia’s top ten universities to act as pillars of support, strengthening Indonesia’s position globally. “I envision Indonesia’s top ten universities becoming sources of strength that help elevate our standing to international levels,” he noted.

Dr. Panggabean further emphasized that one of the MoU’s goals is to bolster human resources through technological advancements, ensuring precise and comprehensive quarantine-related information. He hopes more UNAIR staff will participate in Barantin initiatives. “The critical point is that we need scientific information, and universities are where knowledge resides,” he concluded.

Author: Zahwa Najiba Putri Malika

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati