PALMOILMAGAZINE, SURAKARTA – The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has officially signed a Cooperation Agreement with PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk). This collaboration underscores both institutions’ commitment to advancing Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
The agreement was signed by the Dean of UNS Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Samanhudi, and PT SMART Tbk’s Head of HR Central Business Services (Board Representative), Lilianawati. Attendees included Yudi Heriyadi, Lead HRBP Upstream Operations, Tiara Aninditia, Development Program Recruiter Team Lead, and Pradjna Dewi Y., HR Staff and Employer Branding. From UNS, the event was attended by Vice Dean for Non-Academic Affairs, Prof. Mujiyo, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gusti Fauza, as well as several heads of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The signing ceremony took place in person at the Supratoyo Meeting Room, UNS Faculty of Agriculture, last Thursday.
During the event, Lilianawati expressed her hopes that the partnership would create opportunities for students to participate in PT SMART Tbk’s programs. “Through this initiative, students will receive training that may lead to a Golden Ticket for employment at our company,” she stated, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com from the official website of UNS Faculty of Agriculture on Thursday (March 6, 2025).
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She further emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “We hope to see more partnerships between universities and companies in the future, ensuring that graduates, particularly from UNS, are well-prepared to meet industry demands,” she added.
Prof. Samanhudi welcomed the partnership, noting that it was a follow-up to UNS’s prior visit to PT SMART Tbk. “We are pleased that universities are being given opportunities to collaborate with the industry. Such partnerships are crucial, as higher education institutions are now expected to engage in active communication and cooperation with the business sector,” he said.
He also affirmed UNS’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s palm oil sector by developing relevant curricula and internship programs for students. “Indonesia’s palm oil industry requires a substantial workforce. If we do not prepare graduates accordingly, we will struggle to compete with other universities. Therefore, UNS will introduce specialized courses on palm oil and expand student internship opportunities within palm oil companies,” he explained.
This collaboration between UNS and PT SMART Tbk serves as a concrete step in supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: ‘Partnerships for the Goals.’ (P2)
