Collaborative Environmental Efforts: Osaka University Visit PT NRS's South Barito Kapuas Restoration Ecosystem Project
- Oct 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 10, 2024
From September 4-6, 2024, PT NRS was honored to welcome visitors from Osaka University of Japan to our South Barito Kapuas restoration ecosystem project site. This visit marked a significant step in fostering international collaboration for sustainable environmental research and development.
Participants
The visit included the following participants:
From Osaka University, Japan:
Dr. Takahiro Ota - Faculty of Human Sciences (Lecturer)
Rintaro Oi - Faculty of Human Sciences (Student)
Riko Obayashi - Faculty of Human Sciences (Student)
Masashi Hiraki - Faculty of Human Sciences (Student)
From Palangka Raya University, Indonesia:
Niki Tirto Adi - Faculty of Agriculture, Fishery (Student)
Jody Salmon Pria Panjaitan - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Government Science (Student)
Tri Vena - Faculty of Agriculture, Fishery (Student)
Zulviana - Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Biology (Student)
The visit aimed to support PT NRS in developing international-scale research and comply with sustainable forest management objectives. It also provided a platform for the students and researchers to gain field experience in ecosystem restoration.
Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1: Arrival and Field Study Preparations (September 4th, 2024)
The participants traveled from Palangka Raya to the project site in Kalahien, where they were briefed on the itinerary and received detailed maps for the scheduled activities. The day concluded with a presentation on PT NRS and South Barito's local customs.
Day 2: Field Study and Wildlife Encounter (September 5th, 2024)
During their visit, the team explored Forest Inventory Plot No. 57 in Manara, where they had a remarkable encounter with a male orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) at close range. Prioritizing safety and respecting wildlife, they decided to withdraw from the area to prevent any disturbance.
The journey continued to Masimpun, where the group examined the groundwater monitoring equipment. Aditya from PT NRS provided an in-depth explanation of its functionality and significance in the ecosystem. The day concluded with a visit to a water well, where participants learned about its crucial role in firefighting efforts for the surrounding forest and peatland areas. This hands-on experience offered valuable insights into the practical measures taken for environmental conservation and protection.
Day 3: Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange (September 6th, 2024)
On the final day, the team dove into the lively atmosphere of the local market in Kalahien. They chatted with community members, bought beautiful handmade products, and tasted delicious traditional foods unique to the area. This lively interaction went beyond simple shopping; it helped create a strong connection between the visitors and locals. It encouraged residents to share their stories and experiences, inspiring them to learn alongside the students who visited.
After exploring the market, they were guided to visit Ibu Watini's warung (local shop). Here, they enjoyed the warm hospitality of the local farmers and learned about the hard work that goes into growing the sweet fruit.
They also had a friendly conversation with Bapak Lara, the leader of the Gambut Jaya farming group, where they discussed the challenges and successes that local farmers face.
This exchange of ideas highlighted the community's resilience and willingness to share their knowledge. By the end of the day, the team left Kalahien with more than just great food and handmade gifts; they also carried with them a sense of partnership and inspiration, motivated by the shared goal of supporting sustainable growth and development together with the local community.
In their own words.......
"The experience was remarkable.
If given the chance, we would love to return for a longer stay."
Dr. Takahiro Ota (Osaka University)
"Very memorable, if there's another opportunity, we would like to return for a longer stay than the previous 3-days visit."
Osaka University Students
"It motivates our staff to learn foreign languages, making it easier to interact with international visitors in the future."
Aswin Usup (PT NRS General Manager)
"It encourages our staff to learn foreign languages."
Primajaya (PT NRS GIS Staff)
"Very happy to engage in discussions and share experiences, improving English skills, and gaining new enthusiasm for learning about the environment while also feeling motivated to study foreign languages."
Nidia Putri, Riska Dwiyani, Nur Syamsiah (PT NRS Comdev Team)
"Grateful for the visit from foreign guests who are willing to learn about the local customs and culture. It motivates the local community to pursue education abroad and become proficient in foreign languages."
Local Community
Forging Global Partnerships for Sustainable Progress
The visit from Osaka University to our South Barito Kapuas site location has not only strengthened our collaborative efforts in environmental conservation but also inspired our team and the local community. It ignited a passion for learning, from mastering foreign languages to understanding sustainable ecosystem management. The enthusiasm from our visitors and their eagerness to return reflects the success of this partnership in fostering global connections and creating a shared commitment to preserving our planet.
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