Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Batu City Government to formulate research-based policies aimed at addressing agricultural sector anomalies in the region. One of the key components of this collaboration is strengthening the capacity of civil servants (ASN) through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.
The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at the KH. Wahab Hasbullah Seminar Room, Utsman Bin Affan Building, UNISMA, on Monday (July 21, 2025). The event was attended by Batu Mayor H. Nurochman and UNISMA Rector Prof. Drs. H. Junaidi, M.Pd., Ph.D.
Also present were the Chair of the Batu City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Didik Subianto, Vice Chair I Ludi Tanarto, heads of local government agencies (OPD), and members of the UNISMA Foundation Board. The MoU signing was followed by a public lecture delivered by the Mayor to the UNISMA academic community.
In his lecture, Mayor Nurochman highlighted a paradox in Batu City, where rapid growth in the tourism sector has not been matched by improved welfare for farmers.
“We seek support from researchers and academics to conduct in-depth studies so that the policies we implement truly make an impact. Tourism should not flourish while farmers are left behind,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, UNISMA Rector Prof. Junaidi welcomed the collaboration as a concrete implementation of the university’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education. He stressed that synergy between academia and local government is essential to creating meaningful change.
“We have strong academic resources and are ready to contribute. However, effective implementation requires close collaboration with the government. This partnership is ideal, and we are confident it will produce optimal results,” he stated.
Prof. Junaidi added that the relationship between UNISMA and the Batu City Government has existed for years. However, under the leadership of Mayor Nurochman, an alumnus of UNISMA, the partnership has become more serious and action-oriented.
One innovative solution offered by UNISMA is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which enables civil servants, village officials, members of the local parliament, and MSME actors in Batu City to pursue undergraduate (S1) or master’s (S2) degrees without leaving their professional duties.
“Through RPL, professional experience and prior training can be formally recognized. An undergraduate degree can be completed in just two years, and a master’s degree in one year. The schedule is flexible, ensuring that government operations continue smoothly while human resource development progresses,” he explained.
Furthermore, UNISMA fully supports the mayor’s flagship program, “1,000 Graduates,” which provides 100 percent tuition fee scholarships (UKT) for students from Batu City. In this initiative, UNISMA has been appointed as one of the implementing universities.
The collaboration began with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between UNISMA and the Batu City Education Office and will gradually expand to other local government agencies.
“Hopefully, this partnership will not remain merely textual on paper, but become contextual and truly beneficial for the people of Batu City,” the mayor concluded.