TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Construction of Universitas Pertamina in Simprug, South Jakarta, has officially started on Thursday, February 11, 2016. The university will be established as a form of the state-owned oil and gas company's contribution for the public through providing higher education in Indonesia. The university will be managed by Pertamina Foundation, including its facilities and infrastructures.

"In 2016, we want to improve our focus in various education programs to expand our work areas, program funding as well as managing programs through the use of information technology," Pertamina Foundation Indonesia CEO Umar Fahmi said in his speech during the university’s opening event.

Umar said that the establishment of the university marks the start of Pertamina’s attempt to create competent individuals who could compete in the ASEAN Economic Community.

Umar explained that from 2016 to 2020, Pertamina will be focusing on constructing the university’s basic infrastructure, including building the university building, making class rooms, laboratory and establishing a proper administration and learning system.

"In 2021, the development of the primary university building and student center will begin," said Umar.

Pertamina Foundation has decided to allocate Rp 680 billion of funds for the purpose of developing the university for the next five years.

The university is planned to have 15 bachelor program studies in six faculties, including Exploration Technology, Industrial Technology, Economy and Business, Infrastructure Planning, Science, and Communications and Diplomacy.

ANTARA