Providing Adaptive Education: ULM and HST Initiate Regional-Based Study Programs
Jakarta – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) strengthens its commitment to equalizing access to higher education by exploring strategic collaboration with the Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) Regency Government. This initiative was realized through the holding of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the development of Study Programs Outside the Main Campus (PSDKU) and Distance Learning (PJJ), which was held at the Artotel Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (6/18/2025).
This FGD became a forum for cross-stakeholder discussion to discuss concrete steps to provide inclusive and adaptive higher education to regional needs. The Regent of HST, Samsul Rizal, in his remarks emphasized that education is the main pillar in improving the quality of human resources (HR) and regional competitiveness.
“Limited access to higher education is still a real challenge. The presence of PSDKU and PJJ from ULM is expected to be the answer to this problem—opening up wider learning opportunities, without having to leave your hometown,” said the Regent.
According to him, cooperation with ULM is a golden opportunity to encourage the development of local human resources, based on research and innovation, which can answer the needs of the ever-growing world of work. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the study programs offered are truly relevant to regional conditions and potential.
“We are ready to fully support, both in terms of facilities and infrastructure, adequate regulations, and synergy between sectors. The hope is that graduates from this program can become the driving force of regional development, not just pursuing a degree,” he added.
Meanwhile, ULM through Vice Rector II, Dr. Ir. Arief Rahmad Maulana Akbar, M.Sc., IPU, welcomed the support from the HST Regency Government and emphasized the institution’s readiness to develop innovative learning schemes such as PJJ and PSDKU as part of ULM’s mission to become a leading university based on regional service and collaboration.
This FGD also involved various strategic parties, including the Head of the Sub-Directorate for Development and Institutional Arrangement of PT Kemendikbudristek, Deny Kurniawan, and representatives from Prof. Dr. Hazairin University, S.H. Bengkulu, BINUS University, and ULM structural leaders such as the Chairperson and Secretary of the Senate, the Director of Postgraduate Studies, and the ranks of the HST Regency Government.
This activity is expected to be the initial milestone of long-term cooperation between ULM and the HST Regency Government in expanding access to affordable, relevant, and impactful higher education for the people of South Kalimantan, especially Hulu Sungai Tengah.
“Through this forum, let us formulate applicable and sustainable solutions to ensure that the young generation in the region has equal opportunities to receive higher education,” concluded Regent Samsul Rizal.
