ULM Signs MoU in Collaboration with Meratus Geopark Area

Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) together with the South Kalimantan Province Meratus Geopark Management Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Understanding, which took place in the Rector’s Room at the ULM Rectorate Building, Banjarmasin on Thursday (9/2/2023).

The signing was carried out directly by ULM Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Sc., together with Deputy Chairperson of the Meratus South Kalimantan Geopark Management Agency Ir. H. Nurul Fajar Desira, CES.

The Meratus South Kalimantan Geopark area has been recognized as the Indonesian National Geopark since November 29 2018. The Meratus Geopark is managed holistically as a geological site in the Meratus mountains, South Kalimantan. The components for the development of the Geopark Area include Nature Protection, Community Development, Economic Development, and Biological and Fauna Conservation.

ULM collaborates with the Meratus Geopark Area regarding the implementation of cooperation in the fields of education, teaching, research, and community service in the Meratus Geopark Area. In addition, ULM also works together to develop the Geological Engineering study program at Lambung Mangkurat University while simultaneously synergizing in developing the Meratus Geopark.

“This is ULM’s commitment to support the efforts of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government to propose the Meratus Geopark to become a UNESCO Global Geopark,” said ULM Rector Prof Ahmad Alim Bachri in Banjarmasin, Saturday. According to the Rector, collaboration and synergy in developing the Meratus Geopark is very important including the role of universities which are expected to produce many research results in the Meratus mountainous region. Therefore, ULM and the Meratus Geopark Management Agency for South Kalimantan Province have agreed to cooperate in the fields of education, teaching, research and community service in this mountainous region which is the pride of South Kalimantan.

Deputy Chairperson of the South Kalimantan Meratus Geopark Management Agency Nurul Fajar Desira said the Meratus Geopark is managed holistically as a geological site in the Meratus mountains, South Kalimantan. The components for developing the Meratus Geopark area include nature protection, community development, economic development, and biological and fauna conservation. “We invite all South Kalimantan residents to support nature conservation in the Meratus mountains and maintain local wisdom, customs and culture so that the dream of being recognized by the world to become a UNESCO Global Geopark can be realized,” said Fajar.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the ULM Faculty of Engineering Prof. Iphan Fitrian Radam explained that at the initial admission of new students in the Geological Engineering Study Program, a quota of 30 people was provided consisting of National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP), seven people, National Selection Based on Tests (SNBT) 15 people and independent selection of eight. person.

“Lecturers are ready from the ULM Faculty of Engineering, and related to improving the quality of education and research, one of which is collaborating with the Yogyakarta Veterans National Development University,” said Prof. Iphan.