Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – Deputy Mayor of Malang Ir. H. Sofyan Edy Jarwoko became a resource person at the Regional Conference of the Association of Indonesian Private Higher Education Organizing Bodies (ABP PTSI) for the East Java Region held at the Scientific Meeting Center (PPI) Room of Merdeka University (Unmer) Malang, Tuesday (6/11).
In the activity which took the theme 'Strengthening Synergy between Private Universities and Regional Governments in East Java for the Progress of the Nation', Deputy Mayor Sofyan Edy revealed that in Tri Bina Cita Malang City, Malang City is mentioned as a Student/Education City, Malang City as an Industrial City, and Malang City as a Tourism City.
"Malang City is the heart of East Java. With its current position, there are many things that can be done to contribute to the progress of East Java and Indonesia," said Sofyan Edy, Tuesday (6/11).
In the field of education, it is said that Malang City has extraordinary potential with no less than 60 universities. In Malang City there are also 632 creative economies and 3.355 micro and small businesses that have great potential to continue to grow.
"This much potential will certainly be very good for Malang City if it continues to be synergized with universities to conduct research and development," said Edy.
On this occasion, Deputy Mayor Sofyan Edy also conveyed the main priority/program that could be collaborated with universities in Malang City, namely poverty alleviation.
"The collaboration can start with a small area first at the sub-district level. If in Malang City there are 57 sub-districts, then it requires 57 universities to be able to run the program," he explained.
He explained that if one university holds one sub-district, it would certainly be very helpful. "I think this is a good idea, because universities can play an active role in building Malang City while also being able to carry out their functions in community service," he added.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of ABP PTSI, Prof. Dr. Thomas Suyatno, in his speech said that in this regional conference, many things were discussed, including the role of universities in helping community development.
"We hope that the local government will not only demand the role of universities to advance their regions. However, in accordance with the mandate of the law, we also hope that the local government will provide the facilities they have for use by universities," Thomas hoped. (cah/yon)
