EduAsiaNews, Jambi – Two public universities, united by a shared commitment to advancing higher education in Sumatra. Universitas Jambi (UNJA) and Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) officially renewed their institutional partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a series of Cooperation Agreements (PKS) on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Graha Singedekane, Graduate School Building, Telanaipura Campus, Jambi.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Helmi, S.H., M.H., Rector of UNJA, and Ir. Krismadinata, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Rector of UNP. The ceremony was followed by the signing of cooperation agreements between several faculties and graduate schools of both universities.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Hafrida, S.H., M.H., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Revis Asra, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Rector for Cooperation, Public Relations, and Information Systems. Also in attendance were the Director of the Graduate School, faculty deans, and the Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of UNJA. The UNP delegation included Prof. Ir. Ganefri, Ph.D., Rector of UNP for the 2016–2024 period, along with the university’s vice rectors and deans.
For Prof. Helmi, the signing represented far more than an administrative formality. He emphasized that the partnership is designed to strengthen collaboration across the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—while also enhancing institutional governance at both universities.
“We are grateful to officially sign this MoU with Universitas Negeri Padang today. This agreement is intended to strengthen the synergy between UNP and UNJA, particularly in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—as well as in improving governance within our respective institutions,” Prof. Helmi said.
He noted that research collaboration between UNJA and UNP academics has already been well established, including joint publications in internationally reputable Scopus-indexed journals. He also highlighted Jambi Province’s abundant natural resources as a promising area for future collaborative research.
Prof. Helmi further stated that, inspired by UNP’s achievements, UNJA is committed to pursuing the status of a Legal Entity State University (PTN-BH).
“With the encouragement and support of UNP’s leadership, we are determined to transform UNJA into a Legal Entity State University, following the successful example set by Universitas Negeri Padang,” he said.
Echoing this commitment, Prof. Krismadinata remarked that the partnership between UNP and UNJA has existed for many years and has resulted in numerous collaborative initiatives, including faculty exchanges and postgraduate study opportunities. He described the renewed agreement as an opportunity to elevate the partnership to a new level.
“The relationship between UNP and UNJA has been established for a long time, and we have collaborated in many areas. Today’s signing formally renews our cooperation while opening the door to broader and more meaningful initiatives in the future,” he said.
As a university that has already attained PTN-BH status, UNP also expressed its readiness to share its experience and support UNJA throughout its institutional transformation.
“As a Legal Entity State University with greater autonomy, UNP is fully prepared to support UNJA through close collaboration so that together we can continue to grow as institutions dedicated to educating the nation’s future generations,” Prof. Krismadinata added.
The renewed MoU and cooperation agreements are expected to provide a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and strengthening institutional governance, while supporting both universities’ aspirations to achieve internationally recognized standards of academic excellence.
