UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has strengthened its commitment to making a real difference in society by partnering with the Tulungagung Regency Government. The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday (Sept. 16, 2025) at the Pendopo Kongas Arum Kusumaning Bangsa in Tulungagung, covering cooperation across a range of strategic areas.
The event was attended by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si, M.Fin; University Secretary Prof. Dr. Dwi Setyawan, S.Si, M.Si, Apt; Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Prof. Ir. Mochammad Amin Alamsjah, M.Si, Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr., M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH, Ph.D., FINASIM; representatives of UNAIR’s Alumni Association in Tulungagung; and other faculty members.
From Tulungagung Regency, Regent H. Gatut Sunu Wibowo, SE, ME; Deputy Regent Ahmad Baharudin, SM; Regional Secretary Drs. Tri Hariadi, M.Si; leaders from dr. Iskak Regional Hospital; and several government officials were present.
Academic–government collaboration
In his remarks, UNAIR Rector Prof. Madyan stressed that the MoU was more than a ceremonial agreement. He said it reflects a shared commitment to regional progress through collaboration between universities and government.
“The scope of this cooperation is broad. It covers education, healthcare, hospital development, research, law, science and technology, as well as innovation. It also includes community engagement and human resource development,” he said.
Prof. Madyan noted that universities must serve as engines of development, not just centers of learning. “This partnership aligns with our vision of becoming a university of impact—one that benefits communities at the local, national, and global levels,” he said.
He added that UNAIR aims to make concrete contributions, particularly by improving human resources in Tulungagung through training programs and curriculum development. “We also intend to channel our research to address the region’s challenges, from unlocking economic potential to tackling environmental issues,” said the professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business.
He closed his remarks by underscoring the value of collective effort. “Let us take this moment as the starting point for meaningful and productive collaboration,” he said.
Recognition from local leaders
Tulungagung Regent H. Gatut Sunu Wibowo, SE, ME welcomed the partnership and noted that discussions about collaboration had been underway for some time.
He acknowledged the complexity of today’s development challenges and said government cannot meet them alone. “This is where we look to UNAIR. With its research strength, expertise, and community service record, UNAIR can be a strategic partner for Tulungagung,” he said.
The Regent also praised UNAIR’s direct contributions, citing efforts to address drought in southern Tulungagung. “UNAIR had helped build bore wells, and the local government worked to ensure the water supply could be distributed to villages,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate Tulungagung’s development goals, particularly in expanding hospitals and healthcare services.
The collaboration is expected to improve access to quality medical care for local residents. After the signing, the delegation visited dr. Iskak Regional Hospital. Among the initiatives agreed upon was strengthening medical specialist education in line with national policy.
Author: Yulia Rohmawati
