IPB University Signs MoU with PT Royal Lestari Utama and Islamic Insurance Society

IPB University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two institutions at once, namely with PT Royal Lestari Utama (PT RLU) and the Islamic Insurance Society (Association of Sharia Insurance Experts). The activity was held in the Rectorate Conference Room, IPB Dramaga Campus, on Friday, 26/1.

Prof Arif Satria, Rector of IPB University welcomed the cooperation of the two institutions. He conveyed the importance of developing research and development with PT RLU on rubber-based sports products.

“Currently there are still many products or sports equipment from rubber that are still imported, so with this collaboration, especially cooperation with the Faculty of Agricultural Technology of IPB University, the need for sports equipment will be fulfilled domestically through research and development that has been developed,” said Rector.

Meanwhile, cooperation with the Islamic Insurance Society, Prof Arif said IPB University would open a Master of Sharia Economics study programme at IPB University so that enthusiasts of sharia economics would continue to be encouraged.

Director of PT Royal Lestari Utama, Mursosan Wiguna said that IPB University and PT RLU have the same vision in the fields of education, research and community service.

“PT Royal Lestari Utama (RLU) is an integrated natural rubber company, which is a pioneer in sustainable natural rubber production. We are part of the Michelin Group, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world. The company was established in 2015 as a joint venture company,” he explained.

“IPB University’s cooperation with PT RLU is expected to be not only about employee recruitment, but also related to research development, considering that PT RLU has a large area of land, 150 species of birds, and other animals,” said Mursosan.

He continued, through its subsidiary, PT RLU has developed and managed around 88,000 hectares of natural rubber in Jambi and East Kalimantan. “PT RLU aims to promote a new model of sustainable natural rubber production in Indonesia that is economically empowering, socially inclusive and environmentally friendly,” said the Director of PT RLU.

Eddy Setiawan, Chairman of the Association of Sharia Insurance Experts, said he was pleased to be able to collaborate with IPB University. Eddy added regarding the work of the Islamic Insurance Society which since 1993 has established an Islamic insurance company.

“Islamic Insurance Society as an organisation that houses Islamic insurance experts is developing Islamic insurance products that are linked to emission reduction, a product that is environmentally responsible. With this collaboration, there will be a research programme that will be regulated,” said Eddy.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding between PT Royal Lestari Utama and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology of IPB University was also signed by the Director of PT RLU, Mursosan Wiguna, and the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology for Resources, Cooperation and Development, Prof Aris Purwanto. (dh/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)