Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), welcomed an official visit from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Jember (UNEJ), for a discussion and the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on Monday, 27 October 2025. The event took place in the Dean Office Meeting Room and was attended by the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, and the Dean of FEB UNEJ, Prof. Istifada, along with the Head of the Management Study Program, Dr. Sinto Sunaryo, and the Head of the Accounting Study Program, Prof. Doddy Setiawan.

The signing of the agreement marks an important step for both faculties in strengthening collaboration in the implementation of the Higher Education Tri Dharma activities. At UNS, the cooperation focuses on academic collaboration, joint research activities, and Community Engagement initiatives.

Prof. Bhimo states that FEB UNS and FEB UNEJ has been establishing academic collaboration for a considerable time, although previously conducted informally through external examinations and seminar invitations. Through this agreement, all activities will be formally documented in accordance with the UNS Rector’s new policy emphasizing the importance of maintaining an institutional record of collaborative activities between UNS faculty members and external partners.

In earlier years, both faculties also engaged in student exchange under the MBKM program when learning activities were still conducted virtually. Given the current context, future collaboration will place greater emphasis on joint research and Community Engagement activities, which are considered more relevant and sustainable.

According to Prof. Bhimo, FEB UNEJ’s possesses particular academic strengths that can enrich the collaboration. FEB UNEJ is known for its expertise in plantation economics, a specialization that is not available at FEB UNS and serves as a distinguishing feature in UNEJ’s academic and research profile. “Based on my experience working with them, FEB UNEJ has a distinctive focus on plantation economics. This complements our academic development and opens opportunities for more specific collaborative research topics,” he explained.

UNEJ currently holds the status of a Public Service Agency (BLU) university and is in the process of transitioning toward a Legal Entity State University (PTN-BH). During the meeting, the UNEJ delegation expressed interest in learning from UNS’s experience in organizational management, institutional governance, and the transformation process toward becoming a legal entity university.

During the discussion, Prof. Bhimo also proposed new research ideas. Particularly, he noted the issues related to salt farmer economics, which present promising opportunities for future collaborative research. Both faculties agreed that a structured partnership will contribute significantly to enhancing academic quality, research development, and societal contributions.

This collaboration also aligns with the commitment of both institutions to advancing quality education and sustainable development, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Quality Education (SDG 4), Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), and institutional capacity development.