UNS — Killed two birds with one stone is an appropriate idiom for Widyantara Arya Bagja Soenardi’s experience. The Statistics Program Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta student is selected to be one of 40 people from 18 provinces to participate in Motivatour: Kepulauan Seribu Xpedition on April 2021. A short community service program using Traveling, Sharing, and Caring concept fully funded by Indonesian Event, Yayasan Beasiswa10000, and DKI Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Office in collaboration with Kepulauan Seribu government.
According to Arya, the event aims to implement the Seribu Cahaya Inspirasi (Thousand Lights of Inspiration) mega-project that ask the participant to post their dreams on a padlock. “To motivate children to have a high dream. We conduct socialization to the community, especially children who are very excited with our program,” Arya said on Monday (26/4/2021).
Their program was implemented in three days. Their first-day program was in Pramuka Island, where they discussed and chatted about the potentials and issues in Kepulauan Seribu with the Regents and related stakeholders. On the second day, they implemented the caring concept, forming small groups to discuss the specific problems with stakeholders in each field. Their focus was on education, the environment, tourism, arts and culture, branding, and social media.
Arya participated in the arts and culture field following his interest and talents in the field, particularly in traditional and modern dances. They prepared a recommendation for the local government based on the results of their discussion, in which they recommend establishing Pondok Budaya (cultural hub). The team proposed the idea after noticing the unique cultural dances on the island, but people have no place to channel their interests. “Thus, we suggested Pondok Budaya with art gallery showing Kepulauan Seribu history and art history. So, tourists can understand Kepulauan Seribu after visiting pondok budaya,” Arya said.
To participate in the program, Arya needed to compete with around 500 other applicants. Under the supervision of Dr. Winita Sulandari, S.Si., M.Si., Arya was motivated to contribute to society while enjoying the concept of the program. Arya also shared that he received valuable experiences from the program as it is his first community service program outside of his hometown, Tasikmalaya. Therefore, he can learn Kepulauan Seribu culture, its special cuisines, opportunity to talk with local people, and expand his connection with participants from 18 provinces.
“I learn that not all facilities are available on the island. But they are very concerned with their environment and have Rumah Hijau community who has a duty to maintain the environment in Kepulauan Seribu. I am delighted, grateful to participate in the program and see children’s smiles there,” Arya explained.
Due to the pandemic, all of their programs were implemented under strict health protocols, and all participants were required to pass the swab test. Humas UNS
Reporter: Kaffa Hidayati
Editor: Dwi Hastuti