UNAIR NEWS – Rectors and representatives of 10 State Universities in East Java attended a work meeting held at Surabaya State University on Thursday, October 17. The meeting discussed solutions for industrialization in East Java.
The ten universities are UNAIR, Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), UB, State University of Malang (UM), State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Ampel, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (Unijoyo), University of National Development “Veteran” UPN), State University of Jember (Unej), State University of Surabaya (UNESA), and State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim.
East Java Governor who is also alumnus of UNAIR Soekarwo attended the event. Soekarwo expected state universities (PTN) of East Java can create synergy in dealing human resource problems in East Java. It is aimed to optimize the existing potentials of East Java.
“East Java province has great potential and it becomes the center of eastern Indonesia’s economy. It is an opportunity to get out of all urban problems such as unemployment,” stated Soekarwo.
Soekarwo said that currently there are more than 800 thousand people unemployed in East Java. Education and industrialization are closely related, both can support the development of the region in East Java.
The demographic bonus and urban trend where many rural youth move to urban areas increase unemployment rate. It has caused new problems. To that end, the readiness of labor from demographic bonuses should be supported by a qualified skill.
“East Java supplies the raw materials. In the future, hopefully the presence of PTN can make raw materials have a higher selling value, “said Soekarwo.
Rector of UNAIR Prof. Moh Nasih said that state universities in East Java primarily UNAIR is ready to assist in supporting the local policy. Universities are ready to contribute in improving human resources. Prof. Nasih said, the problem of human resources that become obstacles now lies in the prospective students who are less selective in choosing their majors. This has an impact on their focus in college.
“Graduates of SMK should not stop only at vocational school, they should continue to the diploma degree and do not take the general majors. This will improve their skills,” said Nasih.
Prof. Nasih added that state in East Java will create synergy in improving the standardization and quality of human resources to have international standard skill. (*)
Author: Helmy Rafsanjani
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
