Yogyakarta, October 27th 2025 – The Leadership and Policy Innovation Master and Doctoral Program (KIK) of the Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) plays an active role in strengthening the capacity of village apparatus with the Village Innovation School (SID) program, in collaboration with the Government of Penajam Paser Utara Regency (PPU).
The training, technical guidance, and field study activities carry the theme “Building One Village One Innovation Based on the Merah Putih Cooperative and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes)”. This program is an implementation of the partnership between the KIK Program of UGM Graduate School and the PPU Government to enhance governance, leadership, and innovation in village development.
The event was officially opened by the Regent of Penajam Paser Utara, H. Mudyat Noor, S.Hut., who emphasized the importance of developing village innovation as a local economic strength, particularly in responding to the dynamics of the development of the new capital city, Nusantara (IKN). “As a supporting region for IKN, the villages in Penajam Paser Utara must become independent and competitive centers of economic growth. Innovation is the key to unlock these opportunities,” the Regent stated in his opening remarks.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho, S.Hut., M.Agr., Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affairs, and Collaboration, expressed his appreciation for the partnership and reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to contributing to human resource development at the village level. “Through synergy between local government and the university, we are building an innovation ecosystem rooted in the community,” he said.
Through this program, the KIK Study Program of UGM Graduate School reaffirms its role as a strategic partner for local governments in developing adaptive, innovative, and socially just governance.
Writer: Arfikah Istari