Public Relations of UPNVJ - Vice Chancellor for Cooperation of the National Development University "Veteran" Jakarta (UPNVJ) Dr.dr.Ria Maria Theresa, Sp.KJ., MH led a working meeting of the West Region Higher Education Cooperation Forum (BKS PTN-West) at the Mercure Hotel, Bengkulu City on Wednesday, November 14, 2024.

Ria said that this activity was a follow-up to the previous meeting that was held on November 24-26, 2023 at Teuku Umar University, Aceh. In the meeting, several important agreements were reached that would bring the BKS PTN-Barat collaboration to a more advanced stage.

He said the meeting at Teuku Umar University had resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) attended by 38 State Universities in the western region.

"This MoU is a strong foundation for us to work together in various programs, both in academics, research, and community service. With this MoU, we are committed to building a more integrated and sustainable cooperation, in accordance with the spirit of synergy that we build together," said Ria.

He also said that the agreement to form a research consortium that will be a forum for research collaboration between us, is under the coordination of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) of the West Region State Universities.

This consortium is expected to be able to drive synergy in overcoming various local and national challenges through research based on community needs and regional development.

"This collaboration also allows us to maximize the potential of the resources we have together, both in terms of experts and research facilities," said Ria.

*BKS PTN-West Working Meeting*

A total of 14 state universities in the western region attended this activity, namely the University of Bengkulu, Teuku Umar University (Aceh), Jambi University, Sriwijaya University (Palembang), Lampung University, UPN "Veteran" Jakarta, Riau University, Palang Karaya University, Syiah Kuala University (Aceh), Andalas University (Padang), University of North Sumatra, Medan State University, Sumatra Institute of Technology (Lampung), Siliwangi University (Tasikmalaya), Sultan Agung Tirtayasa University (Banten).

Participants in this activity were the Vice Chancellor for Cooperation, Head of the Research and Community Service Institute, and Head of the International Affairs Office from PTN in the West Region.

The agenda of this meeting discussed the follow-up to the research consortium agreement of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) of West Region State Universities and the development of national and international cooperation involving the International Affairs Office of West Region State Universities.

*Strengthening Cooperation*

Also present in this activity was the Rector of Bengkulu University, Dr. Retno Agustina Ekaputri, SE, M.Sc who also opened the working meeting of the BKS PTN-Barat Vice Rector Forum. Prof. Retno in her speech expressed her gratitude for the trust given to Bengkulu University.

He said that Bengkulu is a city full of history. The Chancellor of Bengkulu University hopes that this forum can be utilized well to deepen and strengthen cooperation.

Retno said that cooperation is something that is very important and cross-university collaboration is very necessary.

"Collaboration across State Universities is needed and strategic steps cannot be ignored to open up opportunities for cooperation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Cooperation of the University of Bengkulu, Prof. Dr. Irfan Gustian, S.Si, M.Si. thanked the Vice Chancellors for Cooperation of BKS PTN-Barat for their attendance. Irfan hopes that this activity can establish and strengthen cooperation between PTN BKS-Barat.