Students of Universitas Gadjah Mada who join nature enthusiasts group (Mapagama) have successfully made an ascent on Mt. Inerie in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, during the expedition called Gladimadaya Tanah Bajawa from 18 October – 1 November 2017. This programme is part of further education for members of Mapagama.
As many as five junior members, Hanif Nur Hassan Al Faruqi (Animal Health), Ajun Evy Nugraha (Mechanical Engineering), Deswita Ayu Wandira (Anthropology), Alfia Municha (France Literature), and Sheila Fita Anjani (Philosophy), joined the expedition, accompanied by two senior members, Ria Verentiuli (Tourism) and Michael Warren Akyuwen (Law), are all from the mountain forest division in the group.
Chairman of Mapagama, Manto Sitindaon, said the Mapagama UGM team had arrived safely back in Yogyakarta on Sunday, 5 December, after climbing the Mt. Inerie (2,245 m). The team also made research in Kampung Bena, raising the concept of Religious System of Kampung Bena community in Tiworiwu village, Jerebuu district, Ngada regency.
“The Mapagama team also made community services in environment education for elementary school students of SD Negeri Bena,” he added on Wednesday (13/12) on campus.
Manto explained the Gladimadya Tanah Bajawana programme was the medium for their members to improve education competence, which combined adventure and educational activities, research, and community service.
Hanif N H Al Faruqi, coordinator of Gladimadya Tanah Bajawa, said he learned insight and new experiences through the expedition in Flores.
“Many surprises were made by the local community to welcome us,” he said.
Through the expedition, Hanif and fellow students had the chance to learn the local culture, such as chicken culling to secure the safety of visitors that would climb Mt. Inerie.