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| The micro-hydro power plant of UMM, a means of contribution to developing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Photo by Rino PR of UMM) |
Due to the number of contributions made by the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Center has officially been acknowledged by the National Development Planning Agency of Indonesia (Trans.: Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional). It is because many benefits, such as food and energy, are provided to society.
Interestingly, UMM is the first private university in East Java that got the national recognition. Up to now, only 40 of the 4000s campuses in Indonesia whose SDGs Centers are recognized by the agency.
The Rector of UMM, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., says that UMM has indeed made many innovations through the Professor of Community Development Activist program, in which the professors have collaborated with regional stakeholders to improve people's welfare and achieve SDGs targets.
For example, in collaboration with the Government of Bondowoso Regency, a team of UMM led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Indah Prihartini, MP., has assisted groups of traditional rice farmers who have shifted into organic agriculture. As a result, more than 164 hectares of rice fields have been organic-farming certified there.
Additionally, the White Campus—the alias of UMM has operated a micro-hydro power plant not only around the campus area but also in a range of locations. Two of them are located in Sumber Maron Malang and Boon Pring. The measure to develop this innovation is also expanded in another city or regency. Currently, UMM is developing 2 Jember’s joint sectors: (1) independent food through the program of organic farming cultivation and (2) independent energy, which is the construction of a micro-hydro power plant (MHP).
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of UNESCO IHP IX WG on Ecohydrology and Water Quality, Prof. Dr. Ignasius D.A. Sutapa, M.Sc., says that this national recognition is not a surprising thing, given that UMM has sufficient capacity and competency to contribute to the world in tackling SDGs issues—especially since the track record of UMM has been excellent and had many best practices.
Moreover, Ignas explains that each country is encouraged to support SDGs, and universities have strategic roles. According to the National Development Planning Agency of Indonesia, a university’s contribution can reach a significant number of SDGs development: 46,7% if it collaborates with governments and industries. Ignas thinks that without a university’s involvement, achieving SDGs points will take a long time.
A university, which has responsibilities to conduct research, educate, and contribute to society, plays a vital role: accelerating and improving the effectiveness of the implementation of SDGs solutions. Mainly, for the past 3 years, SDGs acceleration has slowed down due to COVID-19.
“Universities, including UMM, will implement strategic measures to actively support SDGs programs. They will be references and are expected to give perspectives and examples related to SDGs problems,” asserts Ignas. (imh/wil)
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