Banda Aceh, September 4, 2024 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University (FMIPA-USK), held a significant meeting with the Static and Tsunami Archives Center of the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (BAST-ANRI) to discuss the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting, held in the Dean’s Meeting Room at FMIPA-USK on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, focused on several key areas, including digital archive management, the development of information systems using the latest technology, and the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, involving students in joint research projects.
Enhancing Research and Innovation in the Digital Era
FMIPA-USK Dean, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si, M.Tech emphasized that this partnership is a strategic step to boost research capacity and innovation within the academic environment. “The collaboration with BAST-ANRI is expected to positively impact human resource development, especially for students, in preparing them to face the challenges of the digital era,” said Taufik Fuadi Abidin. He also highlighted the importance of student involvement in digital archive management and information technology as part of FMIPA-USK’s vision to produce graduates ready to adapt to the latest technological developments.
Collaboration in the MBKM Program and Joint Research
Head of BAST-ANRI, Muhamad Ihwan, added that this partnership opens up significant opportunities for knowledge exchange in data and information management, as well as enhancing student potential through the MBKM program. “The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program offers students the opportunity to engage directly in digital archive management and technology innovation projects,” he said. Ihwan hopes that this experience will provide students with practical skills relevant to the job market.
Archive Preservation and Paper Acidity Management
The meeting also explored potential synergies between FMIPA-USK and ANRI in other areas, including the certification of paper media acidity and its storage conditions. Taufik Fuadi noted that many insights can be synergized with ANRI, one of which is the preservation of archives from the threat of paper acidity and storage media. “We hope to implement this soon, including the certification of paper media acidity, where colleagues from the Department of Chemistry can take the lead,” he explained. Additionally, archive preservation from insect threats and other environmental factors was discussed, with hopes that this collaboration will bring innovative solutions.
Technology Development and Research Opportunities
Both parties discussed the development of cloud-based information technology to support static archive management, as well as joint research involving students. FMIPA-USK expressed readiness to collaborate with BAST-ANRI in various aspects of archive and data management, which is considered crucial in addressing the digital transformation in the education and government sectors.
The MBKM program, which was also a key topic in the meeting, offers internship and research opportunities for FMIPA-USK students, particularly in information systems innovation and archive preservation. This collaboration is expected to help students develop skills in information technology that align with industry and government needs.
Conclusion: Commitment to Future Collaboration
The partnership between FMIPA-USK and BAST-ANRI is expected to strengthen with the implementation of programs such as MBKM, digital archive management, paper acidity certification, and joint research, serving as key pillars for developing excellent human resources. Both parties are optimistic that this collaboration will bring significant benefits to students and institutions in the future.
