UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), through its World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), has once again facilitated an international community engagement program in collaboration with overseas partner universities. This year, Banyuwangi served as the setting for the WUACD International Student Mobility in Community Development program, featuring participants from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

The program, held from November 8–15, 2024, brought together 30 UMT students for a week-long exploration of Banyuwangi’s nature. Collaborating with UNAIR’s Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA), the students engaged in a diverse range of activities, including mapping herbal plants, producing traditional herbal remedies (jamu), planting casuarina trees, hiking Mount Ijen, and snorkeling.

Promoting herbal plants

Jayanti Dian Eka Sari, SKM, MKes, a Public Health lecturer at FIKKIA, highlighted that UMT students participated in activities in Tamansari Village alongside the Komikat Konservasi group. The program emphasized introducing herbal plants indigenous to the Mount Ijen area.

Beyond identifying plant species, students mapped the distribution of various plants around the foothills of Mount Ijen. They also explored sustainable cultivation practices in a solar-powered greenhouse and learned to create modern herbal jamu. “UMT students also provided educational sessions for local children, promoting clean and healthy living habits,” Sari explained.

Casuarina tree planting initiative

As part of the program, Sari guided participants in a coastal conservation activity focused on planting casuarina trees. This effort involved collaboration with first-year Veterinary Medicine students from FIKKIA, the Nyubrik team, and KODIM 0805. The tree-planting took place at the Pulau Santen eco-tourism area, which functions as a center for turtle conservation and coastal waste management, supported by the local community and UNAIR. “As a keepsake, participants created eco-prints using leaves on various items,” Sari added.

Additionally, participants enjoyed snorkeling at Bangsring, where they were captivated by the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Their enthusiastic reactions underscored the value of gaining firsthand exposure to new experiences. The collaborative potential between UNAIR and UMT holds significant promise for future projects.

Author: Azhar Burhanuddin

Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin