IPB University Student Expedition to Sarugo Village, West Sumatra
IPB University students were involved in the National Expedition to Sarugo Village, West Sumatra. This expedition was organized by the National Forum for Social Society (Fornassosmas) of the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI) with the theme ‘Collaborating in Expeditions to Build Nagari’.
Nagari is the name of the village community in West Sumatra. This activity is a forum for students to learn Minangkabau culture while providing innovative solutions to help the community in the fields of agriculture, health, social and culture. This expedition was attended by students from all over Indonesia, including IPB University.
Sarugo Village is located in Desa/Jorong Sungai Dadok, Kenagarian Koto Tinggi, Gunuang Omeh District, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. Sarugo still has a lot of potential, including a large citrus plantation owned by the people. Rice and shallots are also the village’s main commodities.
“The people here are rice, citrus and onion farmers. However, the citrus plants have some problems with declining production, because the trees are already 11 years old and have not been rejuvenated due to cost,” said the Head of Jorong.
Coordinator of Fornassosmas BEM SI region IV Latif Hidayatul Ikhsan said that the collaboration of university delegates throughout Indonesia in this expedition had an impact and impression on the community. Students made various activities such as teaching elementary, junior high and high school students, providing free reading class tutoring every afternoon and teaching Quran every evening. In addition, there is training in making environmentally friendly soap, rattan crafts and socializing organic liquid fertilizer.
Not only that, the expedition was enlivened by Minang cultural art performances featuring dances, attractions and folk theater. This activity is a form of collaborative synergy between all elements of students, residents and non-governmental organizations in the West Sumatra region.
“From this expedition, I came to know the history of Minangkabau, the history of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI), cultural diversity, manners, struggle, togetherness and all based on Islamic law which is thick in West Sumatra,” said Latif who is also a student of IPB University.
He also advised, “We must protect our country, Indonesia, with all its richness. There are still many corners of the country whose paradise we do not know. We, young people, are calledrel to be born in this beloved country to protect and preserve it for a better future. This is just a small example of the need for our helping hand to do good to others.” (*/Rz) (IAAS/MKY)
