Udayana University Establishes Collaboration with Politeknik eLBajo Commodus, Labuan Bajo

Jimbaran – Udayana University (Unud) has established a collaboration in the field of Tri Dharma of Higher Education with Politeknik eLBajo Commodus, located in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency. This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both parties, held at the Nusa Room, Rectorate Building, Jimbaran Campus of Udayana University on Thursday (June 5, 2025). The MoU signing ceremony was attended by the Rector of Udayana University, Vice Rector for General Affairs and Finance, the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, and their respective teams. From Politeknik eLBajo Commodus, the Chairperson of Yayasan Bangkit Anak Negeriku, the Director of Politeknik eLBajo Commodus, and staff were present.

As part of the MoU implementation, a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was also signed on the same occasion between the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism of Udayana University and the Director of Politeknik eLBajo Commodus.

In his remarks, the Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, ST., Ph.D., stated that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening ties and fostering institutional cooperation between higher education institutions in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in education, research, and community service. He emphasized that the MoU should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial signing of a document, but more importantly, as a commitment to meaningful implementation across various activities relevant to the Tri Dharma.

“We all understand that in the future, educational institutions cannot operate in isolation. We must collaborate in order to achieve meaningful results,” said the Rector.

He further noted that the signing of this MoU is a strategic step, even though the characteristics of each institution differ slightly—politechnics focusing more on vocational education and universities on academic pursuits. Nevertheless, both share the same core mission of implementing the Tri Dharma and producing highly competent graduates for Indonesia.

Following the MoU, several sectors are expected to be developed through this cooperation. The Rector expressed hope that fields such as ecotourism, information technology, hospitality, and business communication will be areas of focus, while also opening possibilities for collaboration in many other disciplines, given Udayana University’s wide range of academic programs. He hopes the collaboration will become stronger and result in effective, real-world implementations.

Meanwhile, the Director of Politeknik eLBajo Commodus, Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astawa, M.Si., in his remarks, stated that Politeknik eLBajo Commodus is a relatively new institution in Labuan Bajo, established 7.5 years ago, and is currently the only campus in the region offering eight academic programs. The institution has contributed significantly to the local workforce, filling roles in nearly all hotels in Labuan Bajo, including the most prestigious ones, although not yet at managerial levels.

With Labuan Bajo designated as a national tourism priority destination, there has been a developmental gap—physical infrastructure is advancing rapidly, but human resources are still catching up. To address this, the polytechnic is working diligently and innovatively to support human resource development, especially in eastern Indonesia.

This collaboration will focus on human resource development, and the Director expressed hope that Udayana University can assist in research with an emphasis on applied sciences, as the polytechnic's curriculum comprises 70 percent practical and 30 percent theoretical learning. Currently, Politeknik eLBajo Commodus has established four teaching factories: a campus hotel, a travel bureau, a restaurant, and a mineral water plant.

The Director hopes that Udayana University can guide and support them in achieving greater heights in education and that the MoU will be followed by concrete activities such as public lectures.