The Faculty of Forestry at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has established an international collaboration by inviting a professor from the University of Hawaii. This initiative forms part of the implementation of ASIIN international accreditation and is aimed at supporting ULM’s pursuit of becoming a World Class University (WCU).
Professor Pamela Yvone Scheffler, a forest ecology expert, is currently focusing one of her research interests on stingless bees (Trigona spp.). Accompanying her during this visit was Timothy Erich Scheffler, an archaeologist who has conducted extensive research into the anthropological aspects of rural communities and forest farmers.
This marks their second visit to the Faculty of Forestry, ULM. The collaboration encompasses various activities, including the co-authorship of English-language reference books, development of course modules, an international stadium general (guest lecture), an international student workshop, joint research initiatives, and community service programmes.
The international stadium general was moderated by Professor Yudi Firmanul Arifin, while the student workshop on “Leadership and How to Study Abroad” was moderated by a newly appointed faculty member, Ms Yasinta Nurshiba.
This second visit felt particularly significant as both scholars had the opportunity to meet directly with the Rector of ULM, Professor Ahmad. During the meeting, the Rector extended an invitation to develop international collaborations focused on wetlands—including the university-owned 600-hectare mangrove area. The proposal was warmly welcomed and supported by the visiting academics, who viewed it as a vital step in wetland conservation and mangrove preservation efforts in South Kalimantan.
Several off-campus activities were also included in the visiting professor agenda. These included field trips to wetland areas in the Riam Kanan sub-watershed and to a conservation island located in the middle of the Barito River. These field visits served as data collection exercises to enrich the research conducted during their visit.
Further engagements involved visits and discussions with the management teams of the Banua Botanical Garden and the Meratus Geopark. The final activity was a visit to the arboretum owned by PT. Bandangantirta Agung, located at Jl. A. Yani Km. 9, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan. On this occasion, Professor Pamela planted a Merbau tree (Instia bijuga).
One of the noteworthy aspects of Mr Chendrawan’s arboretum is its function as a model for transforming wetlands into conservation areas. Professor Pamela expressed her appreciation for the conservation work undertaken. In addition to thriving collections of tropical and rare plants, the presence of various bird species, honey bees, reptiles, and mammals serves as evidence that the arboretum has evolved into a viable wildlife habitat. This achievement is a significant marker of conservation success, particularly in the context of habitat creation.
The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry further noted that the activities were strongly supported internally by the university leadership, study programme heads, and senior lecturers, including Dr Muhammad Naparin, Professor Gusti Hatta (former Minister of Environment and Minister for Research and Technology during President SBY’s administration), Professor Yudhi, Professor Basir, Dr Mahrus, Ir. Violet, and Dr Helmi. Newly appointed lecturers were also directly involved in the activities to facilitate personal engagement and to enhance their experience in international academic collaboration.
This programme reflects the Faculty of Forestry ULM’s commitment to the World Class University (WCU) initiative and serves as a continuation of efforts in line with the ASIIN international accreditation process. The Dean also extended his gratitude to the ULM Rectorate for its full support in the implementation of these valuable activities.
