Bengkulu, August 4, 2025 — The University of Muhammadiyah Bengkulu (UMB) held a significant event today to mark the official handover of the Decree on the Designation of a Forest Area with Specific Purpose (KHDT) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. The event was officiated by Dr. Raja Juli Antoni, the Vice Minister of Environment and Forestry, who directly handed over the decree and signed the MoU alongside university officials. Also in attendance were the Governor of Bengkulu, the Vice Governor of Bengkulu, and several relevant local government officials and stakeholders. Their presence highlighted the strong support from regional leadership for collaborative efforts in forest conservation, education, and sustainable development.

The designation of the KHDT area provides UMB with a valuable opportunity to develop academic, research, and community service programs focused on forest management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education. The area is expected to function as a living laboratory for students and researchers in forestry, environmental sciences, and related fields. In his remarks, Dr. Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and universities in achieving national and global environmental goals. “This synergy is a crucial step in empowering higher education institutions to contribute actively to forest conservation and sustainability,” he said.

The Rector of UMB expressed gratitude to the Ministry and regional leaders, committing to utilizing the KHDT area for impactful programs that benefit both academia and society. This event marks a new chapter for UMB in its pursuit of environmental leadership and its contribution to sustainable development in Bengkulu and beyond.