The Samarinda City Government is taking a strategic step by partnering with the Board of Trustees (MWA) of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) to strengthen regional capacity in welcoming the presence of Nusantara Capital City (IKN). This collaboration focuses on utilizing research results and technological innovations to optimize local potential and improve the quality of Human Resources (HR).
Mayor of Samarinda, Andi Harun, in a meeting with the MWA Unhas delegation at the City Hall, emphasized that this synergy is crucial given the rapid pace of development in the IKN buffer zone. With a population approaching nearly one million people, Samarinda requires concrete solutions so that development dynamics can deliver real economic and social impacts for the broader community.
Chair of MWA Unhas, Prof. Dr. Andi Alimuddin Unde, stated that Unhas's status as a State University with Legal Entity (PTN-BH) provides space for the university to build practical partnerships. He stressed that integrating the region's natural resource wealth with academic research expertise will produce innovative solutions needed to face future development challenges.
A number of priority sectors have been mapped out as the main focus of cooperation, ranging from maritime industry development, optimizing old oil and gas well management, to applying healthcare technology and STEM-based education. In addition, environmental sustainability is also highlighted through plans to adopt electric garbage transport fleets and the use of Smart City Incinerator technology for modern waste management in collaboration with international partners.
To ensure this collaboration runs effectively, both parties agreed to immediately draft a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as a legal basis. Meanwhile, for urgent programs such as the implementation of electric vehicle technology and incinerators, the Samarinda City Government and Unhas are committed to quickly formulating a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) so that the benefits of these innovations can be immediately felt by the residents of Samarinda.
