Aligned with SPE’s objectives to support local communities, the Hasanuddin University Student Chapter established a strategic alliance with a local community in rural South Sulawesi, Indonesia. launched in December 2020, the program included a 3-day field visit in which the students prepared several impactful talks for the community, including in 27 elementary schools in Bulu-Bulu, covering diverse topics such as Energy4Me, reforesting, education, the benefits of ecotourism for local communities, the oil and gas industry, the energy cycle, electricity generation, and hygiene, among others.
In the heart of the village, called the Green Valley, there is a crystalline river surrounded by beautiful vegetation with the sounds of chirping birds. The local community acknowledges the potential of this place as an ecotourism resource; however, they are conscious about the need for establishing a clear strategy to exploit the resources in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. With knowledge about the situation, the chapter brought additional resources to support the initiative and the community. Specifically, the students helped to map commercial and non-commercial areas/routes, as well as shared information on reforesting best practices and community-based safety management plan.
“Mattampople Project is our flagship community service program this year. Our student chapter aims to promote economic growth based on environmentally responsible practices specially within our area of influence. We try to develop and share programs that make a real impact in the local communities,” said Khusnul Khatimah, president of the chapter.
[Sri Konsep Harum Wicaksono is a member of the TWA editorial committee.]
