ITB and PT SMART Sign an MoU for Collaborative Research on Palm Oil Development
By Ahmad Fauzi - Mahasiswa Rekayasa Kehutanan, 2021
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id — Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources & Technology (SMART) Tbk. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop research in the palm oil sector at the ITB Rectorate Building on Monday (03/03/2025). The agreement was signed by ITB’s Vice Rector for Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Irwan Meilano, S.T., M.Sc., and PT SMART Tbk.’s Authorized Director, Lilianawati.
The memorandum of understanding covered cooperation in education, research, and community service, particularly in the palm oil sector. Additionally, it included various activities such as internships, employee recruitment, mentoring, consultations, seminars, site or factory visits for benchmarking and research, as well as other collaborative programs.
Prof. Irwan stated that this collaboration aligns with one of ITB's main objectives, which is enhancing human resource quality. "One of ITB’s goals is to improve the quality of human resources. Therefore, collaboration is needed to provide students with opportunities to experiment and obtain relevant data in industrial and palm plantation locations," he said.
He added that in carrying out the three pillars of higher education (tridarma perguruan tinggi), ITB cannot work alone and needs collaboration with various parties. "We cannot do this alone, ITB must collaborate to ensure that our students have access to the best locations for future research," he stated.
Meanwhile, Lilianawati said, "This partnership will not only focus on workforce development but also on research, empowerment, and community development. We hope to contribute to the three pillars of higher education."
Reporter: Ahmad Fauzi (Rekayasa Kehutanan, 2021)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2021)
