ULM and Balangan Regency Strengthen Cooperation in Education and Regional Development
Banjarbaru – The Rector of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Sc., at the 66th Anniversary of ULM (21/9/2024) explained various developments in cooperation that have been carried out by ULM. One of them is the development of the Study Program Outside the Main Campus (PSDKU), Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) continues to strengthen cooperation with the Balangan Regency Government.
The program aims to expand access to education and improve the quality of human resources in the region. The Regent of Balangan, H. Abdul Hadi, also expressed his commitment to supporting the development of ULM in Balangan. He said that Balangan has prepared land and other resources to support the operation of ULM’s new campus.
“We welcome the opening of PSDKU in Balangan because this is in line with the human resource development program. In addition, we are also working with Kodim 1001 to develop natural resources, especially in the tourism sector. This is part of our efforts to design Balangan as a leading tourist destination in South Kalimantan,” he said when met during ULM’s 66th Dies Natalis.
The Balangan Regent added that his party had prepared 15 hectares of land for the construction of the ULM campus in Balangan. If needed, this land can be expanded to 30 hectares, according to the needs of campus development and other educational programs.
“We have prepared fifteen hectares, and if needed, we can provide more land. In addition, land for offices and agricultural practices has also been prepared,” explained Hadi.
Abdul Hadi also emphasized the significant economic impact of the presence of the ULM campus in Balangan. With the presence of students and teaching staff from outside the region, it is hoped that there will be an increase in the local economy, especially in the consumption and service sectors.
“If ULM starts accepting new students in 2025, of course this will have a positive impact on the regional economy. People from outside the region who come to study here will increase Balangan’s economic growth,” he said.
In addition, Balangan, which now has an immigration office, is also expected to become a new center of attention in South Kalimantan.
“Citizens from Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan who want to take care of passports now do not need to go all the way to Banjarmasin, just come to Balangan,” he added.
The Balangan Regency Government has prepared a large enough budget to support the development of educational facilities and infrastructure. According to H Abdul Hadi, the physical construction of the campus in Balangan is planned to begin in 2025 with a budget allocation of Rp100 billion.
“We are ready to support financially. In 2025, we hope that the physical construction of the campus can begin, with an initial allocation of at least Rp100 billion. We hope to invite high-ranking officials, such as Ministers, to attend the inauguration of this campus,” he said.
Through strong collaboration between ULM and the Balangan Regional Government, it is hoped that ULM will get closer to its vision of becoming a World Class University while encouraging economic and educational growth in the Balangan region.
