In an effort to organize and prepare for the implementation of internships and the thematic community service programme (KKN), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Cenderawasih University and FORCLIME held a coordination meeting on 23 May 2022 in the FMIPA Meeting Room at the Cenderawasih University (Uncen) Campus in Jayapura, Papua. The meeting was chaired by the Dean of the FMIPA, Dr. Dirk Runtoboi, M.Kes., and was also attended by FORCLIME’s Programme Director.

The meeting got underway with a presentation that was made by two FMIPA students, Sonia Kwano and Mia Esti Asmuruf, who participated in FORCLIME’s internship programme for six months, which is the equivalent of 20 semester credit units (SKS) for courses that relate to internship materials at FORCLIME.

During the presentation, the learning materials utilized during the internship programme were discussed, including the Free, Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process; participatory mapping; the forest planning process through the preparation of the Long Term Management Plan (RPJP) for conservation areas; the identification of villages that will receive FORCLIME support; and administrative processes that refer to the GIZ standard. In addition, Sonia and Mia also gained knowledge of mapping techniques under the supervision of a GIS Advisor.

"I am very proud because, through the internship programme at FORCLIME, students are able to improve their soft skills and gain other experiences that cannot be obtained through campus learning," explained Dr. Dirk Runtoboi, M.Kes, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cenderawasih University.

Meanwhile, Octalia Togibasa, PhD., MSi., Assistant Dean 1 of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, explained during the discussion that this kind of internship programme needs to be continued as it offers significant support to the campus, particularly in terms of developing the Independent Learning-Independence Campus model (MBKM).

FORCLIME’s programme director, George Buchholz offered an assurance that FORCLIME would continue to support both the internship programme and the thematic community service programme. Moreover, in 2022, FORCLIME is set to welcome three intern students, as well as a group of students who will engage in thematic KKN with a focus on implementing activities in FORCLIME-supported villages. The internship and KKN programme will be held in August 2022 and thus preparations will commence as soon as possible.

In addition to Cenderawasih University, the FORCLIME internship programme will also be implemented in conjunction with Ottow Geissler University Papua and Musamus University Merauke.

For more information, please contact:
Theodora F. Resubun, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Provinces
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Province