Bandung Islamic University (Unisba) collaborated with the Forestry Office of West Java Province, the Office of Public Works and Spatial Planning of West Java Province, and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) on Wednesday (25/9) to preserve the environment by planting 50 Kicangkudu trees in the Unisba Assisted Village, Ciburial. This activity was attended by Unisba students and 25 international students from Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nigeria who were members of the 2nd Unisba Global Student Motion 2024 program.
Head of Unisba’s International Office, Siska Nia Irasanti, drg., M.M., stated that this activity was a form of Unisba’s commitment to academic responsibility for greening and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the theme Community Engagement: Implementing SDGs 13 for Climate Action, this activity is expected to be a real example for the community to preserve the earth.
“Through this activity, we hope to increase student awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. Hopefully, this initiative will continue in the future,” She said.
Vice-Rector IV of Unisba, Dr Ratna Januarita, S.H., LL.M., M.H., also thanked the Forestry Office of West Java Province and the Office of Public Works and Spatial Planning of West Java Province. According to her, despite coming from different backgrounds, the government and academics have the same vision to create a better earth.
“Ciburial Village has several critical areas, so it is important for us to contribute in protecting the environment. Unisba as an academic institution has the responsibility of community service as part of the Tridharma of higher education. We hope this activity will be blessed by Allah SWT,” she added.
The Head of Ciburial Village, Asep Rahmat, A.Md. Ket., also thanked Unisba for choosing Ciburial Village as a fostered village. He emphasized the importance of all parties’ involvement in preserving the environment, especially considering that Ciburial Village is located in the North Bandung Area, which functions as a water catchment area and a source of water for Bandung City.
“The most memorable event for me was the planting activity aimed at achieving SDG 13’s goal of addressing climate change. It was a meaningful experience because it allowed us to take tangible steps towards protecting the environment. I felt like I was actively contributing to something bigger, and it deepened my understanding of how small actions can lead to significant change in tackling climate issues.”
