Udayana University Collaborates with YAPPIKA Through the BASIS Program

Denpasar - Udayana University (Unud) collaborates with the Foundation for Strengthening Participation, Initiative and Community Partnerships (YAPPIKA) through the Building an Enabling Environment and Strong Civil Society in Indonesia (BASIS) Program which is supported by the European Union and the Indonesian Human Rights Teaching Union (SEPAHAM Indonesia) which was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Hall of the Unud Law Faculty Building, Denpasar Campus, Monday (20/1/2025). As an implementation of the MoU, on the same occasion, the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Unud, and the Executive Director of YAPPIKA.

YAPPIKA Executive Director Fransiska Fitri Kurnia Sari in her speech said that today was not only a ceremonial event but also marked the beginning of a strategic and meaningful collaboration. The BASIS program, which aims to build supporting infrastructure for inclusive civil society and democracy, presents an integrated approach to creating a conducive civil space in Indonesia.

In this context, the role of higher education becomes very important, not only as an educational institution but also as a driving force for social transformation. Universities have a unique and strategic position in supporting the development of a strong civil society. As a center for learning and knowledge production, universities are places where young people who determine the direction of change can be connected with knowledge in recognizing the importance of democracy, justice and respect for human rights. More than that, universities can also be a safe space for young people to be able to think critically, voice their aspirations and contribute significantly to overcoming various social challenges.

"As part of the BASIS program, we believe that collaboration with universities is a strategic step to strengthen the role of higher education in creating social change," she said.

Through the implementation of this program, we will jointly support universities to become learning and training centers for young people and local civil society, encourage cross-party collaboration, and encourage the production of relevant and applicable knowledge. He hopes that this collaboration can make a real contribution in supporting a campus environment that is conducive to the growth of democracy and human rights.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Unud, Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana in his speech said that Unud as a higher education institution basically welcomed the existence of the BASIS Program as an effort to support the progress of the role of civil society in achieving the SDGs/TPB goals, especially those related to economic fulfillment, gender equality and inclusive social life as well as conservation efforts. environment, by focusing on increasing the capacity of women, youth, minority groups, people with disabilities and civil society organizations to eradicate poverty, inequality and a just green transition.

"I hope that this program will be able to maximize the role of universities as educational institutions and also centers of learning and community knowledge, especially in supporting efforts to increase the capacity of women, youth, minority groups, people with disabilities and civil society organizations to achieve the goals in the SDGs/TPB," said Rector.

After the signing ceremony, it continued with a Limited Discussion activity with the theme "The Role of Higher Education in Strengthening Civil Society to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals" which presented four speakers, namely Dr. Ir. Luh Riniti Rahayu, M.Si (Chair of Bali Sruti), Dr. Jimmy Z. Usfunan, S.H., M.H (FH Unud Academician), Dr. Muktiono, S.H., M.Phil (Chairman of Sepaham Indonesia) and Executive Director of YAPPIKA (Fransiska Fitri Kurnia Sari).