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The achievements of IPB University alumni in various sectors

Posted on by Editorial Team

The contributions/roles of IPB University alumni have a significant influence on various policies and academic backgrounds. They not only offer changes for Indonesia but also have an extraordinary impact internationally.

There is Mohammad Nabil Almunawar, an academic at the University of Brunei Darussalam holding the title of Associate Professor. Nabil migrated to Brunei in July 1999: https://www.alumniipbpedia.id/post/mohammad-nabil-almunawar, also read here: https://www.kemlu.go.id/bandarseribegawan/en/news/21148/congratulations-and-success-to-madya-professor-dr-haji-mohammad-nabil-almunawar. He is a lecturer and an IPB University alumnus who received an award from the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam for his ideas and education he taught which had a broad impact in the Sultanate of Brunei.

Additionally, there is Yurdi Yasmi, an alumnus with a significant position in the UN as the Deputy Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Africa. His involvement in driving food self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation is on here: https://www.alumniipbpedia.id/post/kuasai-empat-bahasa-asing-pernah-kunjungi-45-negara, further details: https://www.fao.org/africa/deputy-representative/zh/.U He is entrusted with ensuring food security and plays a crucial role in creating superior and highly nutritious rice varieties.

Another IPB University alumnus, Suryo Pratomo, is entrusted as the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore. His active roles include pushing for Indonesia’s chairmanship of the G-20 in the Indonesia-Singapore Business Forum. The interesting journey of this livestock scholar-turned-ambassador is on here: https://www.alumniipbpedia.id/post/suryopratomo and https://www.antaranews.com/tag/dubes-ri-untuk-singapura-suryo-pratomo, also check out https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20231217193735-4-498047/duta-besar-ri-kek-peluang-datangkan-modal-asing when he struggled to attract investments from various countries to invest in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

In domestic affairs, there is Kamaruddin Batubara who received the MURI Record for initiating the Ready-to-Occupy Home Program through Cooperatives. Read about his achievements: https://www.radarbanten.co.id/2017/07/18/kisah-kamaruddin-batubara-peraih-penghargaan-bhakti-koperasi-dari-tangerang/. He’s also known for consistently upholding the dignity of cooperatives that implement solidarity and mutual cooperation principles. His roles can be found here: https://disway.id/read/665285/rekonstruksi-ruu-ppsk-dalam-menjamin-kemurnian-prinsip-nilai-dan-jati-diri-koperasi. He remains consistent in building a real people’s economy concept and offering it for the sake of public housing.

Do not forget the contribution of Bambang Hendroyono, the Secretary General of KLHK, who oversees the quality of forestry policies. Check out his story: https://www.alumniipbpedia.id/post/bambang-hendroyono, where he protects national forests and is deemed worthy of being the Chairman of the National Forestry Council (DKN): https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3580854/bambang-hendroyono-jabat-ketua-presidium-dewan-kehutanan-nasional. His role is crucial in ensuring legal certainty, business certainty, and community rights over forest resources, to promote effective forestry policies. Under his leadership, KLHK has achieved many successes: https://mediaindonesia.com/humaniora/548038/sekjen-bambang-hendroyono-raih-berbagai-penghargaan-bukti-kinerja-klhk.

From the banking sector, get to know Achmad Syamsudin: https://www.alumniipbpedia.id/post/achmad-syamsudin. He is known for various achievements in leading financial institutions: https://bangka.tribunnews.com/2022/11/02/direktur-utama-bank-sumsel-babel-raih-top-100-ceo-of-the-year-2022. Under his leadership, this regional bank has achieved outstanding performance: https://bangka.tribunnews.com/2022/07/01/bank-sumsel-babel-raih-the-best-overall-performance-di-infobank-service-excellence-award. With determination, he brings economic prosperity to the region through banking: https://bangka.tribunnews.com/2022/12/22/bank-sumsel-babel-kembali-raih-penghargaan-trusted-company, and his contributions are appreciated by many parties.

As Indonesia aims to become a global halal product producer by 2024, this woman consistently develops the global halal economy. Dr. Nancy Dewi Yuliana, a researcher from IPB University’s Halal Research Institute, has been recognized for her efforts: https://kl.antaranews.com/berita/15933/15-wanita-indonesia-berkontribusi-kembangkan-ekonomi-halal-dunia. She was awarded the 2nd Best PATPI Award for Academic Achievement and is involved in disseminating ideas through publications in reputable international and national journals: https://bogorupdate.com/bogor-raya/hebat-tiga-dosen-ipb-university-ini-sabet-patpi-award-2021/. She explores the application of metabolomics in the food science field and technology, and halal authentication.

ITS Launched the First Production of EVITS, ITS’ Latest Electrical Motorbike

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has recently launched the first production of an electric motorbike called EVITS as a result of innovation to provide clean and eco-friendly energy for Indonesia. ITS through PT ITS Tekno Sains in collaboration with PT Panggung Electric Citrabuana inaugurated the first production of EVITS electric motorbikes on Thursday, 21 December 2023 at PT Panggung Electric Citrabuana.

The Rector of ITS, Prof. Mochamad Ashari, revealed that this cooperation is important. Universities today are no longer limited tornteaching but are also expected to implement their innovations into commercial products, providing economic value to all parties, including the community. Dr. I Ketut Gunarta, Director of PT ITS Tekno Sains, stated that reaching this point required extra effort and involved various stages of research, taking almost a year. This effort resulted in the birth of the first generation of EVITS, the EVITS TS-1, to address various consumer needs. EVITS is an electric motorbike equipped with an ergonomic design and good acceleration capabilities,providing comfort for the rider. It is also equipped with a battery that provides a range of up to 60 kilometers.

As of now, PT ITS Tekno Sains is developing three other types of electric motorbikes that have entered the initial development stage.All those three types of motorbike are planned to be launched in 2024. As the supply management of the production of EVITS, PT Panggung Electric Citrabuana was thrilled and proud to be able to bring environmentally friendly products to the community. It is expected that this cooperation can bring a beneficial impact to Indonesia.

French Embassy opens opportunities for collaboration with UNAIR

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga is collaborating with the French Embassy in Indonesia. On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, a meeting was convened at the Plenary Hall, Balairua, MERR-C Campus, to discuss plans for educational cooperation with French universities and industries.

Antoine Bricout, Attaché for University and Education of the French Embassy in Indonesia, and Sandra Vivier, Director of the Institut Français D’indonésie (IFI) Surabaya, were among the guests. Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization, and Information, and Prof. Dr. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto, Vice Rector for Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni, both represented UNAIR at the forum.

Prof Bambang explained that UNAIR has currently partnered with 13 universities in France. UNAIR engages in various agreements, such as Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), and Letter of Agreement (LA). Each agreement discusses various aspects, ranging from scholarship opportunities to study and campus fair expos.

Prof Miftah explained the comprehensive collaboration planning involving faculties and institutions, including the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Faculty of Psychology, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Airlangga Hospital, and the Airlangga Global Engagement. The focus covers research collaboration, joint publication, staff and student mobility programs, guest lectures, IISMA preparation programs, and LPDP scholarships.

“We would like to solidify our collaborative plans with Sciences Po, Kedge Business School, Université de Caen, and Universite Paris Cité. We hope these plans will include the establishment of a joint Indonesia-France working group for 2024,” he said.

Bricout welcomed this collaborative endeavor as a strategic chance to deepen Indonesia’s long-standing connection with France. He also mentioned internship opportunities at hospitals, particularly at the Faculty of Medicine, which provide competitive salaries and promising career prospects.

He also encouraged other UNAIR faculties to connect with French universities. These prospects require not only competence in their disciplines but also mastery of the French language. “Language is extremely important,” he emphasized.

Dr Sri Fatmawati Recognized as First Woman in Indonesia as 2023 Young Affiliate by UNESCO’s The World Academic of Sciences

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

In a significant recognition for Indonesian scientist, Dr. Sri Fatmawati from Department of Chemistry at ITS, has been honored as a Young Affiliate by UNESCO’s The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in 2023, highlighting her exceptional work in natural products research. The distinction offers promising prominent researchers from developing nations, like Dr. Fatmawati with invaluable connections and opportunities for professional development within the global scientific community.

TWAS, in collaboration with its Regional Partners, annually selects up to 25 scientists under the age of 40 from developing nations as Young Affiliates. These individuals, distinguished by a minimum of 10 international publications and a demonstrated potential for impactful careers, are granted a six-year tenure filled with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and participation in prestigious events such as the TWAS General Meeting.

Dr. Fatmawati’s selection underscores her pioneering research in natural products, spanning herbal plants from 27 provinces of Indonesia and unveiling novel insights that promise transformative impacts on traditional herbal medicine known as ‘Jamu’. As the researcher-in-charge of ITS Djamoe, a transformative production of Jamu from the Natural Products and Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory, her work notably centered on the exploration of indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, embodies a new frontier in harnessing the rich biodiversity of Indonesia for the betterment of society.

As a TWAS Young Affiliate, Dr. Fatmawati looks forward to forging collaborations with esteemed TWAS Fellows, exploring avenues for joint projects, and contributing to the advancement of natural products research on a global scale. With her participation in the annual TWAS meetings and access to a vast network of scholars and policymakers, she envisions catalyzing meaningful change in traditional healthcare development.

Capitalizing on Potential: Catfish Farming Empowerment by University of North Sumatra

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Empowering teenage groups to improve the local economy has become a focus for lecturers at the University of North Sumatra. Led by Dra. Lina Sudarwati, M.Si., a group of lecturers organized a catfish farming training session on unused land.

The participants, teenagers from mosques in Kisaran City, North Sumatra, were introduced to practical knowledge about pond preparation, catfish breeding, and the distribution of catfish seeds into the grow-out ponds. This initiative aims to utilize abandoned excavation ponds, previously used for brick-making but now neglected, for sustainable programs to enhance the local economy.

The program provided by Universitas Sumatera Utara specifically from the Faculty of Social and Political Science includes training in catfish farming and offers equipment and initial catfish seeds as the starting capital for participants. Around 8000 catfish seeds were distributed, spread across four designated ponds. Additionally, alongside the catfish farming program, the mosque teenagers were introduced to marketplace applications for marketing their agricultural products online.

The implementation of the catfish farming empowerment activity has been warmly welcomed by residents in the area. Paidi, a community figure, expressed his support, stating, “This program is very beneficial for our mosque teenagers. So far, they have often struggled to find jobs or business opportunities. With this catfish farming, we hope they can have their source of income and contribute more to the community”.

Dra. Lina Sudarwati, M.Si., emphasized that implementing catfish farming empowerment will benefit the local community and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in catfish farming to support environmental conservation efforts. This initiative not only provides economic opportunities for teenagers but also contributes to the overall well-being and environmental consciousness of the region.

#UniversitasSumateraUtara #FISIPUSU #FakultasIlmuSosialdanPolitik #USU

USU Lecturer Concerned on the Extinction of Tapanuli Orangutan

Posted on by Editorial Team

Onrizal, S.Hut, M.Si., Ph.D., a Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara lecturer, was born and raised in Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The Tapanuli region is home to a particular species of orangutan, the Pongo tapanuliensis, which Onrizal still remembers was mentioned in local folklore as the ‘short man’ of the forest, who disappeared from the forest in the 1970s. The story remains relevant to the current reality about the orangutans in Tapanuli: these creatures have long vanished from the region’s forest.

Working together with Erik Meijaard, an assistant professor on the conversation from the University of Kent, UK, Onrizal published their study titled “The historical range and drivers of decline of the Tapanuli orangutan,” published in a Q1 Scopus-indexed journal PLOS ONE. The team scoured historical records for references to the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). This species is the newest orangutan and is listed as the most endangered great ape in the world. The Tapanuli orangutan faces a much greater risk of extinction than previously thought.

Today, the Tapanuli orangutan is estimated to occupy only 2.5% of their historical habitat, and the threat of extinction is linked to habitat loss and hunting. This threat persists today and is exacerbated by infrastructure development and forest conversion in the last habitat of the Tapanuli orangutan in North Sumatra. According to the researchers, with habitat shrinking and hunting, the extinction of the Tapanuli orangutan is inevitable.

As stated in the study, less than 800 individual Tapanuli orangutans live in the Batang Toru forest, North Sumatra. The remaining habitat is estimated to cover only 2.5% of the range in which they lived about 130 years ago when researchers discovered them. That number shrank from nearly 41,000 km2 in the 1890s, to just 1,000 km2 in 2016.

To arrive at these figures, the researchers referred to colonial-era literature, such as newspapers, journals, books, and museum records, from the early 1800s to 2019 by using location-specific keywords such as “Sumatra”, “Batang Toeroe,” and “Tapanoeli,” with Dutch spelling then cross-referenced them with terms that specifically refer to orangutans used commonly in historical literature.

The researchers found that the Tapanuli orangutan historically inhabited a much wider area at a lower altitude than the Batang Toru mountain forest they occupy today. Much of this historical habitat was lost in the 1950s to smallholder agriculture before industrial-scale plantation development in Sumatra emerged in the 1970s. The combination of historical fragmentation of forest habitat and unsustainable hunting is likely to push them from the lowland forest areas, where they used to live, to the upland forests of the Batang Toru ecosystem.

The researchers think that it is likely that Pongo tapanuliensis was hunted to extinction in an increasingly fragmented part of its former home range. They survive in the remote and rocky Batang Toru Mountains which may have protected orangutans from hunting. These findings show that the Tapanuli orangutan is not a species specifically adapted to live in the highlands as some scientists claim.

Map of Sumatra Island showing the current distribution of Pongo tapanuliensis and Pongo abelii, as well as the main areas mentioned in the study. This finding raises concerns over the survival of the Tapanuli orangutan. It is estimated that fewer than 800 of these orangutans live in the Batang Toru forest, divided among three connected subpopulations.

The Tapanuli orangutan species face conflicting threats of hunting and killing, as well as habitat loss due to agriculture and plantations. New threats have also emerged, namely infrastructure development and the construction of hydropower roads, which have caused fragmentation of the remaining habitat of the Tapanuli orangutan.

Conservation experts say the most severe threat currently comes from the Batang Toru hydroelectric power plant. The construction of this hydropower plant is considered to endanger the connectivity between orangutan subpopulations in the west, east, and south. This fragmentation would cut the diversity of the orangutan gene pool dramatically, leading to inbreeding, disease, and, eventually, each subpopulation to extinction.

The researchers calculated that more than one percent of adult orangutans disappear from the wild per year, either being killed, translocated, or captured. With that data, extinction is inevitable, regardless of the initial population size.

Without further rescue efforts, the researchers estimated that this species could become extinct in the next few generations. The ongoing fragmentation of the Batang Toru forest only exacerbates this risk. Onrizal called on all stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, scientists, donors, local community representatives, and industry, to develop concrete action plans as soon as possible for the survival of this species.

UNAIR dispatches 2,180 students for community services in 3 regions of East Java

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, Rector of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), dispatched 2,180 students to participating in the 3rd Community Service Program – Learning with Community (KKN-BBK) on Monday, Jan 8, 2024. The event took place at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), MERR-C Campus, UNAIR.

The Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, dr, MKes, stated in her opening speech that KKN-BBK activities are an academic endeavor aimed at exploring and finding solutions, as well as serving as a learning medium. She emphasized the importance of providing students with this experience to ensure they are well-prepared and confident upon graduating from university.

Prof. Gadis said that the implementation of KKN-BBK 3 in 2024 took place in three regions of East Java: Banyuwangi Regency, Gresik Regency, and Surabaya City.

“A total of 2,180 students are participating in KKN-BBK 3. They will be deployed in 7 sub-districts and 65 villages in Banyuwangi, 4 sub-districts consisting of 91 villages in Gresik, and in Surabaya, there are 7 sub-districts and 62 urban villages,” explained Prof. Gadis.

Collaboration with OJK

Prof. Gadis further mentioned that for this KKN-BBK, a key focus is on community economic empowerment. To this end, UNAIR has collaborated with the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

“UNAIR collaborates with OJK, and students will receive guidance. We bring in speakers from OJK if students have programs related to community economic empowerment,” said Prof. Gadis.

Prof. Dr. Sukardiman Apt MS, the Director of the UNAIR Directorate of Academic Affairs, also highlighted this collaboration. Prof. Sukardiman stated that the KKN-BBK activity is a tangible expression of UNAIR’s partnership with OJK, fulfilling the terms of the agreement in organizing the Emancipated Learning Program.

OJK provides experts in financial management to enhance students’ understanding of fund management. Prof. Sukardiman further emphasized that students can play a vital role in enhancing the productive economic potential of the village community.

“OJK is prepared to provide experts who can impart knowledge on managing village expenditure funds, including how to avoid online lending traps, and more,” added Prof. Sukardiman.

Emphasizing student behavior

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, also offered guidance to the students before their dispatch. He stressed the importance of maintaining exemplary behavior in the communities, particularly in light of the upcoming general election.

“This KKN-BBK coincides with a national agenda that is quite sensitive. I urge you to steer clear of any political involvement. You are entering communities where your role should be completely detached from political activities, ” Prof. Nasih emphasized.

Prof. Nasih further emphasized the need for students to assimilate and harmonize with local communities. He highlighted the critical importance of maintaining decorum and ethical behavior.

“Do not bring disrepute to UNAIR. Avoid actions that could go viral and tarnish UNAIR’s reputation. We will decisively expel any student whose actions negatively go viral,“ he warned.

Conversely, Prof. Nasih mentioned that UNAIR will reward students who successfully showcase the university’s positive impact during the KKN-BBK 3 activities, particularly through social media platforms. He also noted that participants who generate the most significant response and impact during the program will receive special recognition and awards from UNAIR.

Peeling the Benefits: USU Professor Works on Shrimp Shells for External Care Products

Posted on by Editorial Team

Shrimp shells are often considered waste, but in the hands of Harry Agusnar, shrimp shells can be processed into chitosan compounds with many practical applications.

Professor Dr. Harry Agusnar, MSc, M.Phil, of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), was interested in researching and processing chitosan waste since 1987 when he pursued his master’s degree at the National University of Malaysia. While researching aromatic chemicals, he found that chitosan has medicinal potential for human use.

He worked with aromatic chemical compounds to separate compounds from C6 – C10 with chitosan from shrimp shells as the main ingredient. He came up with hand body lotion, hand sanitizer, paper soap, and recently, a chitosan face serum with anti-aging claims.

Initially, Harry’s family was skeptical about the potential of shrimp shells, but after application, the researched products caught their attention.

According to Harry, the process of producing chitosan is relatively simple. He started by deshelling shrimps and then drying or soaking the fresh shells in alkaline water to eliminate the odor. The shells are not cooked or boiled because these can damage the compounds.

Harry has received positive responses for his products, which were widely used by university staff working offline during the COVID-19 pandemic, among them the Kitosan Hand Sanitizer and Chitosan Paper Soap products and his breakthrough alcohol-free chitosan-based hand sanitizer.

At the moment, Harry is excited to seek a distribution company so his products can be sold to the public. He is also working on a set of haircare products made from chitosan: hair tonic, shampoo, and conditioner, in addition to a chitosan fiber/yarn.

He hopes that his products, labeled with USU branding, can popularize the university as a hub of scientific creativity, offering a wide range of accessible, affordable care products to the public and emphasizing the university’s contribution to industry in society’s awareness.

USU Holds Batik Jumputan Workshop for Empowering Women

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Batik is an Indonesian cultural heritage confirmed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2019. Previously, then Government of Indonesia issued Presidential Decree No. 3 of 2009, designating October 2 as National Batik Day to increase public awareness of efforts to protect and develop Indonesian batik.

As a cultural heritage, batik has undergone a centuries-long process and has become deeply ingrained in the culture spread throughout Indonesia. Each region in Indonesia boasts its distinctive batik characteristics with beautiful symbols. One type of batik is jumputan batik, often referred to as batik ikat. This batik originated in Jogjakarta, Solo, Palembang, Kalimantan, Bali, and Sulawesi, each showcasing distinct characteristics according to their respective local areas.

To further the growth of jumputan batik, especially in North Sumatra, Universitas Sumatra Utara (USU) is committed to developing jumputan batik, making it known to the community, and preserving it as a valuable heritage for humankind. With such aspirations, several lecturers from Universitas Sumatera Utara took the initiative to engage in community service with the theme of batik jumputan.

A lecturer from this university, consisting of faculty members from the Communication Science, Sociology, and Public Health study programs, actively participates in conducting jumputan batik workshops for women affiliated with the Mutiara Langit Biru Creative House in Medan. This program was carried out on September 23, 2023, as part of celebrating National Batik Day.

Women, who have been traditionally associated with homemaking, are empowered to become creative and efficient while preserving the tradition of jumputan batik.

“Mothers and teenagers recruited for training will acquire the skills to produce jumputan batik, which can be used to supplement the family income,” stated Mazdalifah, a USU lecturer and service team member.

The workshop focused on the ikat technique to create batik using marbles and beads in the tying and dipping methods. Participants crafted their batik motifs by hand, eschewing the use of machines, resulting in unique handmade motifs for each batik produced.

“At present, sourcing materials for batik presents a challenge. We acquire all materials from outside Medan, specifically from Pekalongan, Jogja, and Solo. However, with online sales, these materials are now more accessible,” commented Linda Elida, USU lecturer and Activity Coordinator.

The workshop provided foundational training in essential competencies, as batik-making entails complexity. Participants were still in the learning phase, acquiring skills in creating motifs by tying and understanding the entire process from motif creation, tying, mordanting, coloring, and drying.

Linda Elida, the activity’s coordinator, mentioned plans to organize participants intorncooperative business units. These cooperatives will serve as forums for participants to continue honing their skills and purchasing raw materials for batik-making. Furthermore, the cooperatives will assist those needing business capital, as participants must invest in this skill to generate income.

Upon completing the training, participants took home the batik cloth they had created during the sessions. This activity was intended to instill pride in their work. USU will continue to encourage activities that preserve Indonesian culture while supporting the community’s income, particularly women’s.

#FISIPUSU #USU #UniversitasSumateraUtara #CommunicationScienceUSU #SociologyUSU #PublicHealthUSU

UNAIR FEB students experience student exchange at Universiti Malaya

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to give opportunities for its students to study abroad. One of the faculties, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has sent 24 of its students to Universiti Malaya (UM) in a Part-Time Outbound Program 2023 with the UM Islamic Studies Academy.

The 24 delegates are Salwa Tasya, Liha Ulima, Keyla Humaira, Nabilla Fika, Arving Lailatul Fajri, Alif Fahril Aziz, Nuria Latifah, Fitri Makrifatul, Ulfiana Nanda, Nabila Yona, Jesyca, Sintya Alfafa, Diana Clarisa, Nisaa Sadiya, Rafasya Syauqila, Zanuba Firstya, Keysha Mutiara Azzahara, Nisrina Amani Taufik, Afra Bahita Fridajaya, Syanaya Ramadhani Rahmana, Diva Azzahra Pratiwi, Soni Nuriyana Mayangkari, Dhiya Basith Fauzian and Yashafi Yan Arsala.

Sintya Alfafa, FEB student and the person in charge, shared her experiences at UM. She and other delegates had the opportunity to deliver presentations in the presence of UM lecturers.

“This essay is a selection stage from the faculty before leaving for UM. Later, the best essays can be presented at UM,” explained Fafa.

Cultural Exchange

The FEB student said that she not only had the opportunity to study in the neighboring country but also gained experience exchanging culture with local students at UM.

“One of the most impressive series of activities was doing typical Malaysian batik crafts. This is a new experience and knowledge because so far, the only batik we know is Indonesian batik,” she said.

The famous university in Malaysia has the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden. According to her, the delegates gained new knowledge about the flora and fauna in the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, which is well-preserved at UM.

“What an unforgettable experience at UM. We learn many things outside campus. The local students were especially welcoming to international students,” said Fafa.

Learn Malaysian history

Fafa also learned the local history of Malaysia. They visited the Museum of Asian Arts. Fafa was introduced to the rare museum collections there.

One of them is a Thai elephant statue from the 14th-15th century AD, and there were also stone carvings, copper items, and Malay weaponry from ancient times. These historical objects are a message to students and local communities in Malaysia to love the country and the legacy of our ancestors.

“We were also given information about Malay history before independence, and the long story, it is still connected to Indonesian history, which we have known for a long time,” said Fafa.

Fafa expressed her gratitude to FEB UNAIR for supporting and assisting the program. “Hopefully, FEB UNAIR can expand its collaboration network with other well-known universities in Asia in the future so that students’ knowledge and insight will also increase,” she hoped.