Teuku Umar University (UTU) and IPB University officially agreed to a strategic partnership, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at IPB's Dramaga Campus in Bogor on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This collaboration focuses on strengthening the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), agromaritime research 5.0, developing superior commodities, and transforming institutional governance.
During the meeting, IPB University Rector, Dr. Alim Setiawan, outlined the profile of his institution, which now houses 14 faculties with a total of 38,000 students and 1,500 lecturers. He highlighted the proportion of professors at IPB University, which has reached 26 percent, or 353 professors.
Regarding collaboration opportunities, IPB University offers UTU students participation in the National Community Service Program (KKN Kebangsaan), the International Community Service Program (KKN), and 25 international summer courses held annually.
In the research sector, IPB University is currently emphasizing the development of Agromaritime 5.0, which encompasses the fields of omics (genomics and metabolomics), artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and social sciences.
In addition to technological research, IPB is also boosting rice productivity to 15 tons per hectare, developing 47 soybean strains, and conducting garlic research in North Sumatra. The institution also provides business incubation facilities through a startup center and export network support for assisted villages.
"Opportunities for collaboration are wide open in the fields of education, research, and community service. We also welcome UTU students to join us in the various summer courses we host," said Dr. Alim Setiawan.
UTU Rector, Prof. Prof. Ishak Hasan stated that as a state university entering its 12th year, UTU requires strengthened collaboration to support institutional development. The focus of this collaboration is considered aligned with UTU's commitment to developing the agro- and maritime industry sectors, aligning with the potential of the West Aceh region.
"We are well-suited for collaboration, especially in the areas of research, learning, and human resource development. We hope that IPB University can become a mentor in the development of agro- and marine laboratories, student mobility, superior research, and institutional capacity building," said Prof. Ishak Hasan.[]
