Balikpapan, October 28, 2025 – The Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) hosted an official visit from Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) to strengthen cooperation in implementing the Higher Education Tridharma (Three Pillars of Higher Education), which encompasses education, research, and community service.

The event took place in a warm atmosphere at the LPPM Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Integrated Laboratory Building at ITK, attended by the leadership of both universities, as well as representatives from the LPPM (Institute for Research and Community Service).

Strengthening Academic Collaboration and Research Innovation

In his welcoming remarks, Ir. Khakim Ghozali, M.MT., the Acting (Plt.) Rector of ITK, expressed his enthusiasm for this cooperation. He emphasized the importance of cross-university collaboration to broaden academic and social impact.

According to him, the cooperation with Universitas Muria Kudus is a tangible step for ITK in building a solid national education network, especially in facing the digital era and the development of technology-based industries.

Appreciation and Hopes from Universitas Muria Kudus

Representing UMK, Prof. Dr. Ir. Darsono, M.Si., the Rector of Universitas Muria Kudus, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from the ITK community. He stated that this collaboration is proof that synergy among higher education institutions in Indonesia can be a great strength in advancing the world of education.

“We believe this synergy will open up many opportunities for collaboration in the fields of research and community service. May this step mark the beginning of a long journey toward mutual progress,” said Prof. Darsono.

Also present during the visit were Prof. Dr. Drs. A. Hilal Madjdi, M.Pd. (Vice Rector for Cooperation and Development), Yusuf Istanto, S.H., M.H. (Head of the Information, Protocol, and Cooperation Institution), and Evanita, S.Kom., M.Kom. (Head of the Domestic Cooperation Section).

MoU Signing and Collaboration Plans

The formal event began at 10:00 AM Central Indonesia Time (WITA). Following the opening and an institutional profile video presentation, an open discussion session was held between the leaders of the two universities to discuss potential collaboration in the areas of:

• Joint research and scientific publications,
• Technology-based community service and social innovation programs,
• Faculty and student exchange for academic activities.

The climax of the event was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both parties, symbolizing the commencement of the strategic partnership. The moment was welcomed with a collaborative spirit and concluded with a joint photo session.

Tangible Implementation of Tridharma

The ITK-UMK collaboration is a real manifestation of the implementation of the Higher Education Tridharma. Through this synergy, it is hoped that faculty and students from both campuses can collaborate on multidisciplinary research, technology-based social activities, and the development of educational innovation.

Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si., Head of ITK's LPPM, stated that this cooperation is not just a ceremony but a concrete step toward sustainable collaboration. She hopes the meeting will benefit the community.

She also added that cross-regional cooperation like this proves that Indonesian higher education institutions are capable of mutually strengthening and innovating together.

Conclusion and Future Hopes

The collaboration between ITK and UMK reflects the spirit of cross-regional cooperation to strengthen the higher education ecosystem in Indonesia. Both institutions are committed to following up on this MoU through concrete programs involving students, faculty, and the community.

The event concluded with a joint prayer and a souvenir photo between the leaders of the two universities. The warm and friendly atmosphere marked the beginning of a cooperation expected to give rise to many innovations in education, research, and community service.

About ITK and UMK

The Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) is a state university focused on the development of science and technology in the central region of Indonesia, specifically on Kalimantan Island.

Meanwhile, Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) is known as a leading private university in the Northern Coast of Java (Pantura) that actively develops research and social activities based on local wisdom.

Their cooperation is expected to be a bridge that strengthens collaboration between the western and eastern regions of Indonesia in the fields of national academics and research.