Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P. and Vice Regent of Lombok Timur Drs. Khairul Warisin, M.Si. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on conducting research and community service in Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat on Wednesday (6/9).

The MoU signing aimed to actualize two of the Three Principles of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi) and to synergize roles and functions of both parties to enhance development, education, research, and community service in Lombok Timur.

“We would like to shield our students under the auspices of local government. I expect that outcomes of this MoU signing are more than performing community service as doing research and developing other areas,” expressed Gunawan.

The MoU prevails one year and covers areas of education, teaching, research, development,, community service, and poverty alleviation.

Meanwhile, Khairul Warisin warmly welcomed the cooperation. “We wish that this coloration can be enhanced particularly in areas of tourism and agriculture. Through this cooperation, students of UMY are legally under the auspices of local government to conduct research and community service in Lombok Timur,” he stated.

It is the second year for UMY to carry out community service in Sembalun district. The first community service was performed in Sajang village, while the second one is in Sembalun Bumbung village.