ULM and the South Kalimantan Election Commission (KPU) Agree to Strengthen Education, Research, and Community Service in the Field of Democracy in South Kalimantan
Banjarmasin – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) affirmed its role as a state university actively contributing to the development of democracy in South Kalimantan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) with the General Elections Commission (KPU) of South Kalimantan Province. The event took place on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the South Kalimantan KPU Office.
The signing of the agreement was carried out by ULM Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad, S.E., M.Si. and the Chairperson of the South Kalimantan KPU, Dr. Andi Tenri Sompa, S.I.P., M.Si., and witnessed by the leadership of both institutions. This collaboration represents a strategic step for ULM in strengthening the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education in the areas of elections and democracy education.
In his remarks, the Rector of ULM stated that this collaboration demonstrates ULM’s commitment as a state university to directly contribute to improving the quality of human resources in Banua.
“Through the signing of this MoU, ULM and the South Kalimantan General Elections Commission (KPU) are jointly developing and developing superior human resources for elections. I believe this collaboration will bring blessings to both parties,” said the Rector.
The Rector also outlined ULM’s continued positive performance at the national and international levels, including 67 study programs with superior accreditation, 8 internationally accredited study programs, and 9 study programs scheduled for international visitation in January 2026. ULM is also among the universities with a significant number of researchers and publications nationally.
Furthermore, the Rector emphasized that this collaboration aligns with ULM’s strategic policy of improving the quality and qualifications of human resources, including encouraging an increase in the number of postgraduate students and the qualifications of lecturers with doctoral degrees. ULM, the Rector stated, is offering various educational support schemes and incentives for KPU and Bawaslu officials, as well as the South Kalimantan community, as a manifestation of its commitment to strengthening regional human resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Andi Tenri Sompa, Chairman of the South Kalimantan Provincial General Elections Commission (KPU), expressed his appreciation for the presence and commitment of ULM’s leadership in supporting the strengthening of democracy. He stated that ULM plays a strategic role as a cultural pillar and a producer of superior human resources who contribute to national development.
“This collaboration is not merely an administrative symbol, but a manifestation of ULM’s strong academic commitment and leadership in supporting democracy education and public participation,” she said.
The scope of the collaboration between ULM and the South Kalimantan KPU includes education, research, and community service in the field of democracy and elections, support for voter education and outreach, improving the quality of human resources, placing students in internships, and various other collaborative activities.
Through this collaboration, Lambung Mangkurat University reaffirms its position as a strategic partner of the government and state institutions in building a high-quality, participatory, and sustainable democracy in South Kalimantan.
