Jakarta, August 28th 2023. Literacy and education regarding subject matter –such as microorganisms– are needed so that students can understand the size, role, and presence of these microorganisms. Therefore, a number of lecturers and education staff from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), were moved to organize community service activities (pengmas) which is one of the Three Principles of Higher Education. The people present at the activity held at the Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School, Purwakarta, West Java, on Monday (14/8) included the community service team led by Afiatry Putrika, M.Si., and the UI partner team, namely from the Pandu Cendikia Foundation and Bluebird Group.
The Community Service Team provided a comprehensive in-depth study of life sciences for Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) students to increase students’ awareness of biodiversity in their environment through exploration of the surrounding environment, introduction of microorganisms, to training in writing scientific papers. Activities were divided into three groups based on educational level, namely elementary, junior high and high school. These three groups were then given activities that had been adapted to the analysis of needs at each level of education.
According to Afi, high school level students need more training in writing good scientific papers, thus they can be included in scientific work competitions such as the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad. He and his team provided materials on the structure of scientific writing and tips on avoiding plagiarism to teachers and students. “Apart from writing scientific papers, high school students are also invited to get to know campus life as a preparation for them to face college after graduating from high school,” said Afi.
Meanwhile for junior high school students, the activity provided was to get to know the diversity of microorganisms around them through simple observations using the Science Kit method. Observations were made using a microscope and preserved preparations of several types of microorganisms. With this activity, it was hoped that junior high school students would gain knowledge and ideas for utilizing these microorganisms.
In addition, students could also get to know directly microorganisms that have benefits to be processed as food needs, such as tempeh mushrooms (Rhizopus Oryzae), and algae which are raw materials for agar-agar (Eucheuma Spinosum). For students who are still at the elementary school level, this activity provided experience in getting to know the ecosystem around the school based on its biotic and abiotic parameters by using binoculars and water quality measuring devices. They were expected to be able to maintain the cleanliness and balance of the ecosystem from an early age.
Head of the Biology Department of FMIPA Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D., said, “The Biology Department of FMIPA through quality and relevant activities based on the Three Principles, always develops and disseminates science and technology to the wider community, especially elementary and middle school students who are the future generation. This is done as an effort to increase their knowledge of life sciences and foster a love for the environment from an early age.” He added that future generations are expected to be able to manage nature wisely and sustainably in order to maintain the balance of nature.
Head of the Al-Muhajirin Purwakarta Islamic Boarding School, K.H. Dr. Abun Bunyamin, M.A., appreciated UI’s efforts. In his remarks, he conveyed the importance of science for life, especially biology. According to him, science is knowledge that contains signs of the greatness of Allah SWT which provides many benefits for human survival.
“Studying science is very important, especially biology. Without understanding science, how can we possibly understand this vast universe to see the greatness of Allah SWT,” he said.
He hoped that similar educational collaborations can continue with schools under the management of the Al-Muhajirin foundation. The reason is, this activity is able to motivate students and teachers in improving science and technology.
“With this community service activity, it is hoped that the students and teachers at the Islamic boarding school will be more enthusiastic about improving science and technology for the rest of their lives,” he said again.
