Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Papua’s Cenderawasih University will get a Center of Science and Partnership building in 2023 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) in April this year, an official said.

The construction commenced in October 2022, and it is expected to be completed next year, PTFI's general superintendent of general construction and special projects, David Kaban, informed.

The three-story building will be constructed on an area of 2,765 square meters by implementing a green building concept, Kabar said in a statement that ANTARA received here on Friday.

The building’s electricity needs, for instance, will be supplied by a rooftop solar panel, he said, adding that PTFI has invested Rp45 billion in the project.

The Center of Science and Partnership building will be equipped with several facilities such as 18 classrooms, a 230-seat auditorium, and rooms for lecturers, Kaban said.

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Cenderawasih University or Uncen is Papua province's center of excellence, ANTARA has previously noted.

The MoU for the building project was signed by the university's rector, Apolo Stanfo, and PTFI president director Tony Wenas on April 5, 2022.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at a hotel in Timika, the capital of Mimika district, Papua province, and witnessed by the university's rectorate officials.

Uncen and the gold and copper mining company have been engaging in collaborative programs since 1996.

In addition to PTFI, Uncen is also working closely with many other parties to strengthen its teaching, research, and community services.

In December 2021, for instance, several army doctors and students of Uncen's Medical School jointly provided residents of Koya Tengah village in Muara Tami sub-district, Jayapura city, with healthcare services.

They conducted the community service program for villagers living near the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea land border.

According to Dr. Agnes S.Rahayu, who represented the Cenderawasih University's Medical School, locals received services such as medical check-ups and cholesterol tests during the community service program.

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Translator: Ardiles L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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