Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Malang City Government has strengthened its partnership with three leading universities by signing a memorandum of understanding with Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Islam Malang, and Universitas Ma Chung. The agreement marks an early step toward more academic-driven regional development through research, education, health initiatives, and community service.
Mayor Wahyu Hidayat described the collaboration as a direct follow-up to the city’s flagship programs and a response to the president’s call for local governments to deepen partnerships with higher education institutions. He said the MoU would be followed by more detailed cooperation agreements between individual faculties and relevant city agencies.
“Today we signed agreements with the rectors of Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Islam Malang, and Universitas Ma Chung. This is one of the follow-ups to our priority programs and the president’s directive that local governments keep building partnerships with many parties, including universities,” Wahyu said.
Each detailed agreement will be tailored to the city’s development needs and the strengths of the respective faculties. Government programs will be aligned with campus initiatives so that implementation stays practical and mutually reinforcing. Wahyu stressed that the partnership forms part of a broader pentahelix approach that brings together government, academia, business, communities, and the media. Research findings and academic studies will feed directly into public policy.
As an education city with nearly 60 public and private higher education institutions, Malang has significant academic potential that should be put to better use, he added. The cooperation runs for five years and will be adjusted over time to match the priorities set out in the city’s annual work plan.
Universitas Brawijaya Rector Widodo said the university carries a moral responsibility to benefit the people of Malang. That commitment is expressed through the Kampung Lingkar Kampus program, which focuses on empowering residents who live near the campus.
“We are in Malang because the community has welcomed us. Therefore, Universitas Brawijaya should give real contributions to the people of this city, especially those living in the areas around the campus,” he said. The program aims to create resilient, healthy, clean neighborhoods with stronger local economies and to develop creative industries based on local potential so that the presence of students brings positive change.
Read Also:
Malang Gives Free School Uniforms to 3500 Poor Students
Unisma Rector Junaidi explained that the MoU will be followed by faculty-level agreements. Some collaborations are already underway, including work between the Faculty of Medicine and the Malang City Health Office. Unisma also supports the Ngalam Pinter program by expanding access to higher education for local residents and will conduct mental-health assessments for new students as an early detection measure. The Faculty of Administrative Sciences is opening opportunities to strengthen the skills of civil servants through its Master of Public Administration program.
Ma Chung Rector Stefanus Yufra Taneo described the partnership as part of a hexahelix approach to regional development. The university plans to deepen its contribution through professional health education and community service. Priority programs include strengthening pharmacist training through placements in hospitals, community health centers, and other health facilities. The campus also regularly organizes free health checks and provides eye examinations and glasses for children through its Optometry study program.
Yufra noted that early health screening helps prevent diseases that might otherwise go undetected for too long. He expressed hope that the collaboration with the city government will continue to grow so that its benefits reach more residents.
The partnership between Malang City Government and the three universities is expected to serve as a lasting model of cooperation. Government officials, academics, and the community will work together to find practical solutions to the city’s development challenges. (ws15)
Indonesian Version:
Pemkot Malang Gandeng Tiga Perguruan Tinggi Perkuat Pembangunan Berbasis Akademik
