Supporting Prabowo’s Asta Cita, Semen Baturaja and ITERA Strengthen Synergy of Education and Industry

BATURAJA – PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) as a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG), has officially established a strategic partnership with the Sumatra Institute of Technology (ITERA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to strengthen the relationship between the academic world and industry in order to produce more competitive and innovative human resources (HR). This MoU was signed by SMBR President Director Suherman Yahya, and ITERA Chancellor, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha at the Ganesha Arena SMBR, Baturaja, OKU Regency, South Sumatra on Wednesday (12/2).

Also present at this event were SMBR Operations Director Muhammad Syafitri and staff, and from ITERA were attended by the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Eng Khairurrijal, M.Si., Vice Chancellor for Finance and General Affairs Ir. Arif Rohman, S.T, M.T. and staff.

In his remarks, SMBR President Director, Suherman Yahya, emphasized that education is one of the main keys in preparing a competitive and innovative generation in the era of globalization, especially in realizing the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.

“Therefore, this collaboration is a strategic step in connecting the academic world with the needs of industry. We hope that ITERA alumni will not only have a strong theoretical understanding, but also practical experience that is relevant to industrial development,” said Suherman

Furthermore, he emphasized that this partnership is in line with the Prabowo-Gibran Government’s Asta Cita which is currently being promoted. “The Asta Cita is listed in the fourth point, namely strengthening the development of human resources (HR), science, technology, education, and health, sports achievements, gender equality, and strengthening the role of women, youth, and people with disabilities,” he said.

This collaboration covers various strategic areas, such as human resource development through training and education programs, research and innovation in construction material technology, research-based community service, and management and conservation of natural resources. In addition, SMBR and ITERA are also committed to utilizing each other’s facilities and expertise in supporting the development of cement derivative products and building materials, as well as the exchange of information and experience in the field of technology.

Suherman also said that many ITERA students have undergone work experience at Semen Baturaja. “In addition, many children of SMBR employees are also studying at ITERA,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of ITERA, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, in his remarks expressed his appreciation for the establishment of this partnership. “The collaboration between ITERA and SMBR is a real step in supporting the development of superior human resources, especially in the fields of technology and industry,” he said.

Prof. Nyoman also emphasized that ITERA is committed to continuing to establish strategic partnerships with various industrial sectors in order to produce innovation and research that can provide broad benefits to society and the environment.

“We hope for support in various moral, physical, and financial aspects, especially through collaboration with industrial partners who have strong synergy as ITERA partners in the future. The human resources we prepare are not only potential to fill strategic positions in the development of the cement industry, but also have competence in various fields of science related to engineering and engineering. In addition, the discipline of science at ITERA also plays an important role in supporting the cement industry, so that ITERA and SMBR can become strategic partners to build this country better in the future,” concluded Prof. Nyoman. (*)