The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) attended a Socialization and Cooperation Model with the Jeneponto Regency Government (Pemkab) on Tuesday (05/21).
The event was held at the Jeneponto Regent’s Office, with Unhas represented by the Secretary of LPPM, Suharman Hamzah, several heads of research and development centers, and several staff members.
Representing the Jeneponto Regency Government were the Acting Regent of Jeneponto, Junaedi B S Sos, several heads of technical implementation units (UPT) and staff members of the Jeneponto Regency Government.
In his speech, Junaedi expressed his gratitude for the presence of Unhas in planning future cooperation.
He explained that there is a lot of potential in Jeneponto that has not been optimally utilized.
“In the field of fisheries, for example, there is demand from Hong Kong for live fish, but fishermen are still conventional, and demand is not being met. Even though we have high potential spots on the coast,” he said.
In the lowlands, there is a lot of land that has not been optimized. There are three problems: first, rare seeds; second, fertilizer deficits and farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers; and third, falling prices during the harvest season.
Therefore, he added that Jeneponto really needs research assistance, even if there is, for example, water-resistant rice whose seeds can be used, it can be tried.
“Our dream is for the south to have a rice granary, not just Sidrap. Currently, the potential of Karengloe water is being developed, making it possible for Jeneponto to thrive in the agricultural sector,” he said.
The presence of LPPM Unhas brings fresh hope for Jeneponto to collaborate in the future, in whatever way it can participate.
The Secretary of LPPM, Suharman Hamzah, then explained that there are 25 research and development fields and 2 divisions in LPPM, each overseeing their respective fields.
“Actually, we are happy because Jeneponto has become part of Unhas through several collaborations that have been carried out together,” he added.
He asked the Jeneponto Regional Government to make a list of research needed for next year, because this year is already underway. “If there is one, maybe we can find an allocation and throw it to the relevant researchers who can do it,” he said.
Be prepared to assist with self-management if needed. The form of cooperation can be in the form of a letter to LPPM or directly to the relevant faculty as needed.
“Do not create self-management if it is not through the relevant agency, it is better to follow the relevant regulations so that unwanted things do not happen in the future,” he concluded.
The activity continued with a discussion between the Jeneponto Regional Government and Unhas to see what could be done together in the future.