UNS – The Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, the Regent of Karanganyar, Juliyatmono, and Ustaz Yusuf Mansur had an off-road in Bromo Forest, Karanganyar, Saturday morning (6/3/2021). However, before the jeep took off for its journey to explore the Forest Area for Special Use (Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus – KHDTK) Gunung Bromo UNS, Juliyatmono took the initiative to take the steering wheel for Prof. Jamal and Ustaz Yusuf Mansur.
“This is awesome. It’s not every day a Regent will drive for you,” Prof. Jamal said lightheartedly.
The off-road event was held after Prof. Jamal, Juliyatmono, and Ustaz Yusuf Mansur completed the tree-planting ceremony in KHDTK Gunung Bromo UNS to commemorate UNS 45th Anniversary. The off-road event was also attended by Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus, Vice-Rector for Management and Human Resources Affairs UNS, Prof. Bandi, and Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS, Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo. On the third and fourth rows, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees (MWA) UNS, Prof. Hasan Fauzi, Chairman of UNS Academic Senate (SA), Prof. Adi Sulistyono, and Kapolres (Chief Resort Police Office) Karanganyar, AKBP Muchammad Syafi Maula also participated in the event.
“I am grateful to be able to explore the majestic Gunung Bromo forest. Once in a while, refreshing, but keep the mask on and physical distancing,” Prof. Adi Sulistyono stated.
In their 1.5 hours excursion on a steep and muddy track, the Jakarta-based Ustaz Yusuf Mansur was served with beautiful natural scenery in the forest. KHDTK Gunung Bromo UNS has 126.291 hectares area covered by high pines and rubber trees. The oxygen generator and water reservoir forest also provide a supportive ecosystem for various animals. UNS researchers survey in 2019 has identified 44 bird species, including three types of raptor bird or the birds of prey; 19 reptile species; 36 butterfly species; and three mammal species in the forest.
Considering the forest’s great potential, Ustaz Yusuf Mansur said that the area could be used as a revenue-generating site. This suggestion is given regarding the increasing demand for open and natural wedding sites in the pandemic to reduce the potential of Covid-19 spread, which quickly spread indoors.
“The trees are available, 80 years old. Open space wedding is promising. I have a similar business that generates IDR 300-500 million a month because people do not marry only on Saturday and Sunday. People now get married on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,” Ustaz Yusuf Mansur stated.
On the occasion, Ustaz Yusuf Mansur, a student at the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science UNS Postgraduate school, also pray that KHDTK Gunung Bromo brings benefits for UNS.
“To contribute to the young generation in Indonesia and increase the number of students funded (red: for studying) in UNS. Insha’Allah, it will be successful because there are a passion and the feels,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
