The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM), as part of the Cross Border Partnership (CBP) program conducted in East Nusa Tenggara Province and Timor-Leste, visited the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency (BP4D) of Belu Regency on Thursday (July 16th). The visit aimed to strengthen the synergy of higher education institutions and the local government in supporting research that contributes to evidence-based development, particularly in border areas.
The SPs UGM delegation was led by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho, S.Hut., M.Agr.Sc., and was welcomed by the Chief of BP4D Belu Regency, Fredrikus L. Bere Mau, S.T., accompanied by the Secretary of BP4D Belu Regency, Stefanus B. Mau Taek, S.T., and the Chief of the Research and Development Division, Dr. Severinus Mau, S.E., M.A. The meeting was held in a warm and productive atmosphere, focusing on exploring research collaboration opportunities to support regional development in Belu Regency.
Dr. Hilda Ismail, Apt., M.Si., During the meeting,. presented the progress of her research examining the relationship of health factors, environmental conditions, and the prevalence of stunting in East Nusa Tenggara. The study aims to identify the determinants influencing stunting prevalence, providing a scientific basis for more effective policy recommendations to accelerate stunting reduction, particularly in border communities.
Dr. Hilda Ismail, in addition to presenting the research progress, requested BP4D Belu Regency’s support in providing the data and information required for the study. Access to comprehensive data is expected to strengthen the analysis and generate recommendations that are well aligned with local conditions and development needs.
“Stunting is a multidimensional issue influenced not only by health factors but also by environmental conditions. This research shows our hope to provide a more comprehensive understanding as a basis for well-targeted policy recommendations. Support from the local government, particularly in providing research data, is essential for producing evidence-based recommendations,” said Dr. Hilda Ismail.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Junun Sartohadi, M.Sc., on the same occasion, presented his research on rainwater harvesting as an approach to flood control and sustainable water resource management. He explained that the study is currently in the stage of capturing and analyzing rainfall characteristics to better understand water resource potential in the study area. This phase will serve as the foundation for future research on utilizing harvested rainwater as a sustainable water management solution.
Chief of BP4D Belu Regency, Fredrikus L. Bere Mau, S.T., responding to the presentations, expressed his appreciation for the research initiatives being undertaken by SPs UGM. According to him, the findings have significant potential to support more targeted, data-driven regional development policies. BP4D Belu Regency also affirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the research by providing the necessary data and information in accordance with applicable regulations.
Author: Asti Rahmaningrum