UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through the 2024 Airlangga Community Development Hub (ACDH) program. The university’s Community Service Team recently inaugurated the Telaga Biru monument and a solar cell installation at Telaga Biru, located in Busung Village, Bintan Regency. The event, held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, is part of an ongoing community service initiative that began in 2022, aimed at developing local tourism through community-driven projects.
The inauguration was led by UNAIR’s Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih Dra. MSi. During her remarks, Prof. Puspaningsih emphasized that ACDH is a key element of the university’s efforts to support sustainable development and improve local community livelihoods.
Telaga Biru, as a tourist destination popular with both local and international visitors, has been a focal point for us. We hope this monument and the implementation of solar energy will further boost the economy of Busung Village through tourism and foster future multidisciplinary collaborations,” she said.
Boosting local tourism and economy
Irfan Wahyudi, SSos, MComms, PhD, ACDH Coordinator, echoed Prof. Puspaningsih’s sentiments, noting that the monument and solar cell installation underscore UNAIR’s commitment to sustainable development. “We hope this marks the beginning of a larger contribution towards advancing the tourism potential of Telaga Biru and its surrounding areas,” said the UNAIR Faculty of Social and Political Sciences lecturer.
The solar cell installation, alongside the monument, is expected to play a critical role in boosting tourism and the local economy in Telaga Biru. Wahyudi noted that the area has seen reduced activity during the late afternoons and evenings due to limited electricity access.
“Many visitors come in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset, and Telaga Biru is a great spot for photography. With the new solar-powered lighting, we hope to attract more visitors and extend the operating hours for local vendors, allowing them to stay open longer and increasing tourism activity, especially in the evenings,” Wahyudi explained.
The unveiling of the Telaga Biru monument and the solar cell installation serves as a tangible demonstration of UNAIR’s commitment to community-based tourism development. Wahyudi pointed out that the monument, which features the phrase “I Love Telaga Biru,” is intended to become a new landmark that will attract tourists interested in photography, further cementing Telaga Biru as a tourist destination.
Going strong for three years
The 2024 ACDH program marks UNAIR’s third year of community service in Bintan. Wahyudi highlighted that the program has evolved and adapted each year to meet the needs of the local community. In previous years, UNAIR’s efforts in Bintan focused on health promotion, fishery product development, and the preservation of local culture.
“In Bintan, our focus is on community-based coastal tourism, whereas in Batam, we emphasize urban community development. This approach allows us to expand the reach and impact of our community service programs across different regions,” he added.
Through partnerships with local governments, universities, and international collaborators, UNAIR remains committed to making a positive and sustainable impact on the development of Telaga Biru and its surrounding areas. The inauguration of the Telaga Biru monument and solar cell installation marks a significant step in UNAIR’s efforts to support sustainable development in local communities.
Author: Anggun Latifatunisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
