About
An environmental exploration at PPLH Seloliman and Mount Bromo strengthens the collaboration between FTEIC ITS and Universiti Malaya.
Surabaya, FT-EIC ITS – As part of the larger INTERNATICS program, students from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, together with students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Intelligent Informatics (FTEIC) of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), took part in an environmental exploration activity at the Environmental Education Center (PPLH) Seloliman, Trawas, Mojokerto, as well as Mount Bromo, on 8–9 August 2026. This activity became one of the important non-academic components in the INTERNATICS program, focusing on strengthening environmental awareness, introducing natural beauty, and showcasing the local culture of East Java to participants from both countries.
The selection of PPLH Seloliman and Mount Bromo as activity locations was made through careful consideration. PPLH Seloliman was chosen based on a recommendation from the Vice Dean of FTEIC ITS, given that the institution is well known as an environmental education center that has long played a role in nature conservation education in East Java. Meanwhile, Mount Bromo was chosen for its iconic natural beauty, as well as being the destination that received the most votes from program participants. Through these two locations, the organizing committee hoped participants could gain first-hand learning experiences about the environment, Indonesia’s natural wealth, and the accompanying cultural values, complementing the series of academic activities they had previously undertaken on the ITS campus.
This two-day activity was attended by 20 students from Universiti Malaya, accompanied by 20 ITS students consisting of members of the FTEIC Student Executive Board (BEM) and volunteer buddies. The accompanying students played an important role in ensuring the smooth running of the entire off-campus activity, from coordinating the trip to Mojokerto, assisting during activities at PPLH Seloliman, to accompanying participants on the climb in the Bromo area the following day.
On the first day, Saturday 8 August 2026, participants followed an agenda at PPLH Seloliman that included exploring the surrounding nature and Seloliman Village, visiting a small-scale micro hydro power installation owned by PPLH Seloliman, and playing in the local river. Through this series of activities, participants gained new knowledge about the various plant species found in the area, the working principles of micro hydro power as a form of renewable energy utilization, and the long history behind the establishment of PPLH Seloliman as an environmental education institution. Beyond the knowledge gained, the experience also left a deep impression on participants, who admitted to feeling closer to and more connected with nature after taking part in the activity.
The following day, Sunday 9 August 2026, the activities continued with a hike to the sunrise point at Mount Bromo. Through this hiking activity, participants were invited to experience firsthand the beauty of the mountainous landscape, one of East Java’s tourism icons, while also enjoying the sunrise, the area’s main attraction. This activity provided not only a physical hiking experience but also a moment of reflection and togetherness among participants from both countries amid the breathtaking natural scenery.
The enthusiasm of Universiti Malaya students throughout the activities at PPLH Seloliman and Bromo remained very high over the two days. They expressed happiness and satisfaction at being able to take part in various outdoor activities together, get to know Indonesia’s environment more closely, and enjoy a refreshing moment amid the packed schedule of academic activities they had undertaken during the INTERNATICS program.
Overall, this off-campus activity provided real benefits for participants in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of East Java’s potential. Through direct education on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and the utilization of renewable energy via micro hydro power at PPLH Seloliman, combined with the experience of enjoying the beauty of Bromo, participants gained a fuller understanding of the natural wealth and tourism potential East Java has to offer. In addition, this activity also helped strengthen personal relationships and cross-cultural understanding between students of Universiti Malaya and ITS, an added value not always attainable through academic activities in the classroom alone.
Looking ahead, the organizing committee hopes this activity can serve as a starting point for building sustainable academic and non-academic collaboration between FTEIC ITS and Universiti Malaya. Furthermore, the program is expected to encourage participants to become agents of change who care more about environmental sustainability issues, while actively promoting the cultural and natural potential of East Java at the international level, in line with the spirit of INTERNATICS in building meaningful global networks and cooperation for both institutions.