UNAIR NEWS – In an effort to enhance the role of higher education in regional development, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has officially partnered with the Bontang City Government. This collaboration aims to generate concrete benefits for the community. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) at the Plenary Room of UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus Management Office, covers cooperation in education, research, and community engagement.
The meeting was attended by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si., M.Fin., along with senior university officials. Representing the Bontang City Government were Mayor Dr. Hajah Neni Moerniaeni, Sp.OG., and members of her administration.
Delivering tangible outcomes
Prof. Madyan expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in UNAIR by the Bontang City Government. He emphasized that the MoU marks a crucial step in delivering real, measurable impact to communities.
“Thank you for the trust extended to Universitas Airlangga. I hope this agreement becomes a reflection of our shared commitment to advancing the nation through strong collaboration,” said the senior professor from UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business.
He underlined that the partnership offers an opportunity to apply UNAIR’s research and innovation in addressing Bontang’s real-world challenges. UNAIR currently has around 2,000 faculty members, with 50% holding doctoral degrees and nearly 20% recognized as full professors.
He underlined that the partnership offers an opportunity to apply UNAIR’s research and innovation in addressing Bontang’s real-world challenges. UNAIR currently has around 2,000 faculty members, with 50% holding doctoral degrees and nearly 20% recognized as full professors.
“The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology encourages universities to create meaningful societal impact. We are prepared to support Bontang with UNAIR’s academic expertise and resources—not just in education, but also in research and public service,” he added.
Challenges facing Bontang
Mayor Neni Moerniaeni outlined several of the city’s pressing development challenges. With a total area of just 162 square kilometers and a population of 191,000, expanding the city’s infrastructure is complicated, especially since much of the land is owned by major industrial players such as PKT (Pupuk Kalimantan Timur) and LNG (Liquified Natural Gas).
“There’s a 40-hectare plot owned by the PT BADAK Foundation that may be transferred to the city government. However, we need legal guidance from both the Attorney General’s Office and a university to ensure we proceed appropriately,” she explained.
She hopes the partnership with UNAIR will support the city in developing green public spaces, community infrastructure, and educational and social programs for residents. “We hope this meeting brings blessings and real benefits for the people of Bontang, and that we gain valuable insights from Universitas Airlangga,” she concluded.
The MoU signing between UNAIR’s Rector and the Mayor of Bontang concluded the meeting, with both parties optimistic that the collaboration will make a meaningful contribution to national development, particularly in Bontang.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
