UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta student team promoted the conservation of horseshoe crab through the comic strip. The team that consisted of Bhefira Syafitri H, Febriana Kinanthi Putri, Helena Joan Noven from the Environmental Education Program, and Michela Sheryl Noven from Statistics Program 2019 Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) UNS, received positive responses for their comic “Lestarikan Belangkas, Hewan Purba Sejuta Manfaat” (preserve horseshoe crab ancient animal with a millionth of benefits) that also won the 1st prize in INFEST 2021.
To uns.ac.id, Helena explained that horseshoe crab is a near threatened animal protected by the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) based on P.20/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/6/2018 concerning Protected Plants and Animals. However, many people do not know about this animal. “Therefore, to be unique, (we) made a comic to be discussed and educate (people),” Helena said on Tuesday (30/11/2021).
Their comic tells the story of a sibling who had a holiday on the beach and found horseshoe crab. The older sibling explained what the animal was before the conservation officers overheard them and explained in detail about horseshoe crab. After learning about the prehistoric animal, the siblings were interested in sharing their knowledge about horseshoe crab and educating the community.
The information on horseshoe crab included in the comic was collected from diverse literature. The production process, from determining topic, storyline, dialogue, drawing, coloring, editing, to finishing, were all performed in solid teamwork. The team said that they were grateful for the result and that they could achieve their main objective to introduce horseshoe crab to people. Helena also encouraged her fellow students to be brave in trying and participate in the various competition because they would either learn or receive honors. She also hoped that her team achievement could inspire other students to stay humble and develop their potential. She also hoped that people could understand the content of their comic well.
“Indonesia is a heaven for biodiversity because of its rich plants and animals potential. Therefore, we need to be aware of the presence of animals in Indonesia, knowing and protecting the animals to ensure its sustainability,” Helena said.
INFEST 2021 is a competition held by the Student Executive Board (BEM) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) that had two categories comic strip and rally photography. Through the theme “Ketahui, Kenali, dan Lindungi Aku” (know, identify, and protect me), the comic strip competition encourages students to create a work that supports the preservation of protected animals. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti