To support the achievement of the 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely maintaining terrestrial ecosystems, the Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity held a 1000 tree planting action held on the last day of the Academic System Introduction and Guidance Period (PSA MABIM) series for new Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity 2022 students. Present at the event were Dean of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity Dr. Bondan Kanumoyoso, M.Hum.; Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Ranking Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc.; Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity Dr. Untung Yuwono, S.S.; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity Dr. Taufik Asmiyanto, M.Si.; IT, Data, and System Expert Team of UI GreenMetric Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, M.T., M.Sc.; leaders of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity Deanate; Kota Pusaka Community, and new students of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity.
Dr. Bondan said that the action of planting 1000 trees in the Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity environment is a real step by the faculty to preserve the environment. According to Dr. Bondan, many people prefer to cut down trees rather than plant them. In fact, tree planting is part of Indonesian culture. This activity was held on Saturday (22/8), in the Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity area, precisely behind Building X.
“We at Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity are trying to reintroduce Indonesian culture to care for the environment and nature, and preserve it. Not only protecting, preserving, and caring, we also get wisdom from what is in nature. Hopefully we can recognize what is called a sustainable and harmonious environment. Hopefully Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity can be a comfortable, beautiful, and culturally meaningful home for all of you,” said Dr. Bondan.
At the tree planting event, the Kota Pusaka Community, which is engaged in the environment and culture, was also present and donated Samida or Palasa trees. This community also led the tree planting procession. Uniquely, representatives of this community also brought water from several springs that are believed to make trees more fertile and healthy.
According to the Councillor of the Heritage City Community, Dr. Usep Soetisna, the Samida or Palasa tree is a sacred tree that is closely related to Buddhism and Hinduism. “According to Buddhism, when Queen Mahamaya was about to give birth, Siddharta Gautama was near the Samida tree. Meanwhile, in Hinduism, there are three hooks in religion called tridatu that embody Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. All three are related to the Samida or Palasa plant,” said the Heritage City Community Councillor.
The tree planting action is an activity that is expected to be carried out annually by Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity during the welcoming period for new students. This year, Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity planted eight types of plants, namely Eucalyptus, Agarwood, Walnut, Tabebuya, Red Pucuk, Mango, Avocado, and Jackfruit. This action aims to invite Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity students to preserve the environment.
On that occasion, Prof. Riri expressed her appreciation to Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity for the environmental conservation efforts carried out in the Universitas Indonesia campus area. He believes that Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity’s achievement as the Second Greenest Faculty in GreenMetric 2022 can be maintained and improved. Prof. Riri also advised the new students to preserve the environment for the sustainability of life.
“You’re the most privileged students who are here today to participate in a ceremony and culture that brings us closer to local wisdom. We, trees, and nature have a relationship, not only by planting them, but also by looking at the local wisdom passed down by our ancestors. The rarest trees in Indonesia have been planted in Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity for a long time, one of which is the Gobi tree. I advise all of you to remember to always preserve the environment, especially since you are Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity students,” said Prof. Riri.
Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity’s commitment to developing a green environment in the faculty and campus area is in line with the 15th point in the SDGs. A total of 15 study programs in this faculty contributed to the action. Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity invites the community as an embodiment of the ‘Jagad Asri Budaya Lestari’ movement. This movement was initiated by the Safety, Health, and Environment unit of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Humanity as support and commitment to a conducive and sustainable environment.
Dr. Bondan advised that tree planting actions can be carried out in a sustainable manner, both independently and together. This activity is also expected to be disseminated on social media in order to have a positive impact on the community.
