Depok, Thursday (11/1/2018) UI inaugurated the Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory Building of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UI – PT. Pertamina (Persero). The inauguration was carried out by Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Anis, M.Met. as the Chancellor of the University of Indonesia, and Elia Massa Manik, as the Director of Pertamina.
This inauguration event was held in conjunction with the 57th anniversary of FMIPA UI which was filled with the presence of several national figures as keynote speakers for scientific orations, namely General TNI (HOR) (Ret.) Luhut Binsar Panjaitan (Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs), and Prof. Dr. Bambang PS Brodjonegoro (Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
In his scientific speech, “Science and Technology in a Disruptive Era: Reviving the Maritime Spirit,” Luhut Binsar explained that the Indonesian economy is one of the engines of global economic growth, contributing 2.5%. Within ASEAN, Indonesia’s investment is the second-highest after Singapore.
“We shouldn’t prioritize Indonesia too much, constantly talking about religion, while the Indonesian economy is being viewed very well abroad. We should broaden our horizons and observe global political and economic developments. We must aim for that direction. We must not let it be undermined by group interests. History proves that diversity is our strength,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Bambang Brodjonegoro in his presentation entitled “Science and Innovation in the Disruptive Era: Reinventing the Maritime Spirit” emphasized the role of university research in advancing the nation’s economy, especially in terms of creating global trademarks.
“One thing our industry lacks isresearch and development(R&D). Without R&D in a company, there will be no innovation within a brand, ultimately leading to a lack of competitiveness. This is where universities play a crucial role in producing research that benefits our economic competitiveness,” he said.
The event also saw the signing ofa Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the University of Indonesia and the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN). The MoU was signed by UI Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Anis, M.Met., and LAPAN Head, Prof. Dr. Thomas Djamaluddin. This collaboration relates to education, research, and community service, as well as the development and utilization of aviation and space science and technology.
As a realization of the MoU, a cooperation agreement was also signed between FMIPA UI and LAPAN by Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris as Dean of FMIPA UI and Dr. Orbita Roswintiarti, M.Sc. as Deputy for Remote Sensing of LAPAN.
