Merauke, South Papua — Efforts to strengthen collaboration between government institutions and academia have taken a step forward through a strategic partnership between the South Papua Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency and Musamus University (Unmus) Merauke. The meeting between the leaders of both institutions was held at the Unmus campus to discuss directions for cooperation in education, research, and community service.
Head of the South Papua Quarantine Agency, Ferdi, S.P., M.Si, explained that the partnership includes data and information exchange, capacity building for human resources, and the joint utilization of facilities and infrastructure. The initiative aims to support more practical and applicable research and development activities.
Building academic collaboration, Ferdi said, is a proactive step to strengthen cooperation between government institutions and higher education. “Establishing networks with the academic sector is a key move to promote effective partnerships between the government and universities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Rector of Musamus University, Dr. Ir. Daud Andang Pasalli, S.T., M.Eng, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that collaboration between academia and government institutions is essential to address development challenges in South Papua.
“This partnership will serve as an important foundation for developing research and innovation programs that focus on regional advancement. Musamus University is committed to providing opportunities for students and lecturers to engage in internships, research, and the shared use of laboratories with the South Papua Quarantine Agency,” he said.
Dr. Daud further noted that this synergy can directly contribute to strengthening regional food security through scientific mitigation efforts against biological threats.
Both institutions believe the collaboration will have a tangible impact on the region’s social and economic progress.
“This is a positive step toward advancing South Papua. With strong synergy between the government and universities, we believe the province can grow into an independent and progressive region,” the Rector concluded.
