High officials from the Government of Padang City, West Sumatra, visited BIOTROP’s Campus in Bogor on 13 February 2020 and conducted a meeting to discuss potential collaboration with the Centre for city development. The meeting was also participated by other SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia, namely SEAMEO RECFON, SEAMOLEC, CECCEP, QITEP in Science, QITEP in Mathematics and QITEP in Language, which will also conduct collaboration with the Government of Padang City.

The Regional Secretary of Padang City, Mr Amasrul, in his remarks, said that Padang City has abundant natural resources that still need to be developed. He also emphasised the importance of improving the skills of officials and residents of Padang City in various fields of expertise to succeed in the natural resource management plan which leads to the increase of community welfare.

In his remarks, BIOTROP’s Deputy Director for Administration, Dr Zulhamsyah Imran, said that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will be signed in the near future would be duly implemented in the form of effective action plans for the benefits of Padang people. The Centre will fully support the implementation of the MoU by providing experts, training activities, consultation and any other activities needed by the Padang City.

Dr Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, Coordinator of SEAMEO Centers Indonesia, added that the Government of Padang City could collaborate with BIOTROP for the development of urban forests as well as fresh water lobster and fish farming. He also encouraged the Padang City Government to establish cooperation with the government of other Southeast Asian’s cities.

On this occasion, Padang City Officials also visited Hydroponics Unit, Aquaponics Unit, Edible Mushroom Cultivation Unit and Tissue Culture Unit of the Centre.

Also attending the meeting was Acting Task (PLT) Head of the Bureau of Cooperation and Public Relations of Secretariat General of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia, Drs Ade Erlangga Masdiana, MSi. (zsp)