Central Lombok – Hamzanwadi University has strengthened its academic collaboration with the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic through a handover ceremony for independent exchange students participating in the *Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka* (MBKM—Freedom to Learn, Independent Campus) program on Friday (August 14, 2026).

Four students from Hamzanwadi University’s Tourism Study Program were handed over to participate in the MBKM program at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic. The event included the signing of a cooperation agreement, marking a step toward enhancing synergy between the two institutions in the development of tourism education and human resources.

The four students were welcomed by the Director of the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, Dr. Ali Muhtasom, M.M., CHCM., CHE., alongside officials and heads of the study programs where the students would conduct their academic activities: Food & Beverage Service and Room Division.

Representatives from Hamzanwadi University attending the event included the Head of the Cooperation and Partnership Unit, the Dean and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Language, Arts, and Humanities (FBSH), and the Coordinator of the Tourism Study Program.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic and Hamzanwadi University. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in education, research, community service, and the development of institutional capacity and resources.

Through the MBKM independent exchange program, Hamzanwadi University students gain the opportunity to broaden their academic and practical experience within a vocational tourism education environment. This experience is expected to enrich the students' competencies and enhance their readiness to meet the demands of the tourism industry.

The collaboration between Hamzanwadi University and the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic is expected to continue growing through various concrete programs that benefit students, faculty members, and both institutions, while simultaneously supporting the development of competent and competitive tourism human resources.