Lambung Mangkurat University and the Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) Government Establish Off-Campus Study Programs
Banjarbaru – A strategic step to expand access to higher education in South Kalimantan has been realized. Lambung Mangkurat University and the Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency Government have collaborated to establish Off-Campus Study Programs (PSDKU). The agreement was signed on October 24, 2025, at the Novotel Banjarbaru, involving the HST regional government and the ULM PSDKU team.
The Off-Campus Study Program is an important initiative to bring quality education closer to the local community. With the PSDKU, high school graduates in Hulu Sungai Tengah no longer have to leave the region to pursue higher education. This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment—from both the university and the local government—to improving local human resources.
The Rector of Lambung Mangkurat University, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, M.Sc., expressed his institution’s commitment to this program, stating that ULM is committed to providing opportunities and access to quality and equitable education throughout South Kalimantan through PSDKU.
The local government’s commitment to this program is demonstrated through significant financial support. Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency has provided a grant of Rp2,480,000,000 (two billion four hundred and eighty million rupiah) to Lambung Mangkurat University. These funds will be used to prepare infrastructure, facilities, and human resources to establish a high-quality PSDKU (Student Training College) that meets higher education standards.
Three study programs have been established at the HST PSDKU. These three programs are strategically designed to address the needs of the labor market and the development of Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency.
Physical Education Study Program. The first program will produce qualified educators in the fields of sports and health. This program is designed to meet the need for professional educators who can contribute to the development of healthy and qualified human resources in the region.
Agribusiness Study Program. The second program is relevant to the potential of local agriculture and agro-industry. This program will produce graduates with expertise in managing and developing the agricultural sector in a modern and sustainable manner, in line with the region’s economic potential.
Development Economics Study Program. The third program aims to produce economists who understand the dynamics of regional development. Graduates of this program are expected to make significant contributions to development planning and implementation at the local and regional levels.
The presence of the ULM PSDKU in Hulu Sungai Tengah opens opportunities for young people to attain quality higher education without having to migrate to other regions. This initiative is expected to increase community participation in higher education and create more equitable access for all.
Graduates of these programs are expected to contribute directly to regional development, strengthen the local economy, and improve the quality of life of the community. This investment in education is a concrete manifestation of a shared commitment to building a more advanced South Kalimantan through inclusive and quality education.
The signing of this cooperation agreement between ULM and Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency marks the beginning of an intensive preparation phase to ensure that the HST PSDKU can operate with quality standards equivalent to those of the main campus of Lambung Mangkurat University. With significant financial support and strong institutional commitment, the establishment of the HST PSDKU is expected to be realized soon and have a positive impact on educational development in South Kalimantan.
