University of Widya Kartika (Uwika) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pondok Pesantren SunanDrajat Lamongan. The memorandum of understanding was signed in Sunan Drajat Jelaq Mosque on Friday, May 24, 2013 by Uwika’sRector Dr. Murpin Josua Sembiring, SE, M.Si, and Ponpes Sunan Drajatcaregiver Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Ghofur.
The cooperation would last for the next 4 years. MoU signing was held at Masjid Jelaq. The location of the signing of the MoU in Masjid Jelaq was chosen not without cause. There had been many leaders and major figures in Indonesia who came here to make great efforts for many people, ever increasing degree.
In his speech, Uwika’s Rector,Dr. Murpin said that his side welcomed the signing of the MoU gladly. “As an institution of higher education who are competent and professional, Uwika will do their most to equip the efforts of strengthening/improving the quality of human resources, the strengthening of student affairs, business and entrepreneurur reinforcement and soft skills required in the development of Lamongan society especially Sunan Drajat schools.”, he said.
He asserted, Uwika was an academic campus community who was able to co-exist harmoniously in a multicultural atmosphere/multiethnic and multi-religious/belief for students, faculty, and staff.
“We hope that with this partnership between Uwika and Pesantren Sunan Drajat, Ponpes’ human resource development can be mutually enhanced and strengthenedin the future to be more qualified and productive,” he added.
In the occasion in Jelaq Sunan Drajat Mosque, Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Ghofur gace green scarf to Dr. Murpin as a mark of honor and at the same time, a sign to become a big family of Pesantren Sunan Drajat. Not just everyone received the green scarf. It was noted that only former President Soeharto, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and a former Kopassus commander and Lt. Gen. (ret.) Prabowo Subianto had received it at the mosque.
Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Ghofur was also open-minded and selective in grabbing any potential that could be cooperative. This was done for the sake of his Ponpes which was very with thousands of students who came from all over Indonesia, even from abroad.
According to him, his ponpes’ students were the future generation. Future leaders had to be ready to be skillfull to directly answer the problem of the community, state, and nation. So, with the cooperation that exists, they would get valuable value. “Hopefully, they are not only proficient in theory, but also reliable on the practice of life,” he continued.
Eka Budiadi Santosa, Chairman of YPPI board who was very familiar and known by all leaders of Pesantren Sunan Drajat, also gave a speech. Uwika expected to provide the best potential for human progress in the ponpes for 4 years.
The MoU signing was witnessed by thousands of students and officials from Agriculture and Forestry Ministry and Fisheries Ministry. In addition, these activities were also broadcasted live on TV Persada which was a television station owned by Ponpes Sunan Drajat. After signing the memorandum, Uwika’s Rector and team were invited by Prof. Dr. KH. Abdul Ghofur to see the situation inside the ponpes.Starting from office facilities, libraries, school buildings, students’ product of of car and ship framework, the management of radio and television, to Aidrat mineral water production, retail and business centers and many more.