The Tri Dharma of Higher Education is one of the goals that must be achieved and carried out by every university in Indonesia. The essence of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education consists of 3 points, namely: Education and Teaching, Research and Development, and Community Service. These points are subtantial to nurture and bring forth students who posseses high enthusiasm, critical, independent, innovative and creative thinking, in order to advance the nation in various sectors suitable to their abilities.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it did not falter University of Al Azhar Indonesia (UAI) and Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) initiative to realizing Tri Dharma of Higher Education by weaving cooperation between each parties. The establishment of cooperation was formally acknowledged by the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 16, 2020.
The signing of MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc. as the Rector of UAI and Prof. Dr. H Suharyadi M.Sc, as the Rector of UNDIRA. In the same time, each universities Vice Rectors, Deans and related Directors thoroughly partook in this ceremonial moment.
In Prof. Asep Saefuddinh remarks, he conveyed the tantalizing prospects of Tri Dharma collaboration between UAI and UNDIRA that is yet to be explored, namely research, publications and joint seminars. These includes innovations to accelerate the handling of Covid-19. Furthermore, Prof. Asep called for the importance of synergy for the progress of each universities and for the betterment of cultivating students quality.
In his reply speech, Prof. Suharyadi stated that UNDIRA was still young but the increase in students enrollment was quite rapid. Humbly, he mentioned that UNDIRA still needs to learn a lot from UAI, especially in the field of research and community service. UAI’s success in innovative research on powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) is one of Tri Dharma successes. Prof. Suharyadi hoped that this collaboration will last long and the two institutions able to obtain maximum benefit.
After the MoU signing, the Rectors, Vice Rectors and Deans deliberated their cooperation plan. The disscussion revolved around entrepreneurship development, expansion of institutional networks with non-profit organizations, human resource development, student empowerment, cooperation through the UAI ”Tajeer store” business incubator and “Village Project”.
The two parties agreed to explore various matters that had been deliberated at the next meeting. There is hope and enthusiasm that this collaboration will be able to create benefits for both parties and, of course, for Indonesia.
-Bagus Ramadhan-