UNIPMA—Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) and the Madiun City Government have extended their cooperation while opening opportunities to develop collaboration in various fields. Going forward, UNIPMA will encourage the involvement of lecturers and students at the village level to identify community issues and help find solutions based on local needs.

The extension of the cooperation was discussed during an audience meeting at Madiun City Hall on Tuesday (15/9). UNIPMA Rector Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., attended the meeting alongside Vice Rector III Dr. Jeffry Handhika, M.Pd., Dr. Sri Lestari, S.Pd., M.Pd., Heidy Paramitha Devi, S.Pd., M.Si., CSRS., Dr. Samsul Arifin, S.Pd., M.Pd., and other UNIPMA representatives, together with Acting Mayor of Madiun Bagus Panuntun.

Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., said the cooperation between UNIPMA and the Madiun City Government has covered several activities, including the arrangement and relocation of MSMEs. Through the extension of the cooperation, both parties discussed opportunities to develop programs in other fields that could benefit the community.

“The signing is also part of discussions on programs that have already been implemented and the contribution that the university can make going forward,” said Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd.

One of the follow-up plans will be carried out through UNIPMA’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM). The team will conduct surveys and identify issues in villages across Madiun City as a basis for determining programs that can be implemented by the university.

This step is in line with the Kampus Berdampak program, which encourages higher education institutions to respond to community needs. UNIPMA lecturers and students may later be involved in various activities based on the issues identified in the field.

“We hope this synergy will continue to grow through the involvement of academics, both lecturers and students, in addressing issues in the community,” Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., added.

In addition to community service, UNIPMA is also offering support through its sports facilities. Several of these facilities have already been used by sports organizations and athletes from Madiun City for training.

According to Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., the university’s facilities can continue to be utilized to support the development of local athletes. Cooperation in sports can also be expanded through the organization of competitions.

One such initiative is a proposal from UNIPMA’s Faculty of Sports Science and Health (FIKK) to organize a city-level petanque championship, which is planned to take place at UNIPMA.

“Several athletes or sports organizations from the city government have been training at UNIPMA,” said Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo.

In addition to MSMEs and sports, UNIPMA’s cooperation with various regional government agencies also covers education, environmental programs, technological innovation, and the development of appropriate technology. The programs discussed include community service through teacher working groups, learning innovation and quality culture, the Climate Village Program (ProKlim), as well as the development of applications and technology based on local needs.

The extension of the cooperation provides a foundation for UNIPMA and the Madiun City Government to broaden their forms of collaboration. The university’s role extends beyond academic activities to include lecturer expertise, student involvement, research, community service, and the utilization of campus facilities.