The Raja Ampat Regency Government has officially established a strategic partnership with the National Institute of Technology (ITN) Malang to optimize regional potential through a science and technology-based approach. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was conducted directly by the Rector of ITN Malang, Awan Uji Krismanto, along with the Regent of Raja Ampat, Orideko Iriano Burdam, at Campus 2 of ITN Malang on Wednesday (08/06/2026).
This collaboration focuses on resolving a number of crucial challenges in the archipelago region, ranging from equal access to electricity, transportation connectivity, to the lack of creative economy activity centers. Regent Orideko emphasized that academic involvement is crucial so that the development of Raja Ampat remains grounded in sound and sustainable planning, ensuring that its natural wealth is preserved without neglecting the welfare of the local community.
One of the main agendas in this cooperation is the development of the Wawiyai area, which is projected to become an Integrated Eco Aero-Marine Tourism City. This concept carries a premium, low-density but high-value tourism approach. The plan is to equip this area with modern infrastructure, including the integration of an airport with a seaplane terminal to reduce logistics costs and facilitate tourist mobility.
From the technology side, ITN Malang offers energy independence solutions through the implementation of Solar Power Plants (PLTS). This model is expected to become a pilot project in several remote islands, addressing the residents' longing for stable electricity access while supporting the operation of tourism facilities in an environmentally friendly manner.
The expert team of ITN Malang, involving cross-disciplinary fields such as Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Architecture, and Electrical Engineering, is committed to creating a comprehensive master plan. The main focus is to provide a center for culinary, art, and cultural activities that is active at night, so that tourists are not just confined to resorts, but can also bring a wider economic impact to MSMEs in Raja Ampat.
