Higher education institutions are not ivory towers that stand alone, but as part of society, they have a role and commitment to participate in society. This mission was realized in the 41st Dies Natalis of the Widyatama Foundation and the 13th Dies Natalis of Widyatama University, as well as various social activities.
Unlike most dies natalis celebrations, which only feature scientific speeches that are more internal to the campus, With the theme of Widyatama as Servants of National Education, the Widyatama Foundation and University, together with the Indonesian Navy – LANAL Bandung and residents of the Padasuka and Sukapada sub-districts, organized a cleanup of the Cidurian River. The cleanup covered 13 public housing complexes in the two sub-districts.
Higher education institutions are not ivory towers that stand alone, but as part of society, they have a role and commitment to participate in the community. This mission was realized in the context of the 41st anniversary of the Widyatama Foundation and the 13th anniversary of Widyatama University and various social activities.
Unlike most anniversary celebrations, which only feature scientific speeches that are more geared towards the internal campus, the anniversary celebration of Widyatama University was held in the form of a river clean-up activity.
On the anniversary celebration with the theme of Widyatama as Servants of National Education, the Widyatama Foundation and University, together with the Indonesian Navy – LANAL Bandung and residents of the Padasuka and Sukapada sub-districts, organized a cleanup of the Cidurian River. The cleanup activity covered 13 public housing complexes in the two sub-districts.
“It is mandatory for academics to play a role in solving various social problems, starting with those closest to them. For example, working together with the community to improve their own behavior and build a positive mentality so that they care about the environment,” said Widyatama Anniversary Chair Anne Nurfarina at the Widyatama Campus, Bandung, Sunday (1/19/2013).
The Cidurian River cleanup activity, which was attended by 350 Widyatama students, 100 personnel from the Indonesian Navy – LANAL Bandung, 200 Widyatama lecturers and employees, and 200 residents, also served as a gathering with the residents around the campus. In addition, it also served to build a mentality of social awareness among students as the younger generation towards river cleanliness issues.
Widyatama University Rector Mame S Sutoko hopes that awareness will grow not only among students but also among the community to be careful and maintain environmental cleanliness. The disasters that have struck recently are the result of human negligence towards the environment.
“Rivers are getting shallower and narrower. Forests are becoming deforested. We are creating our own disasters,” he said.
In addition to environmental issues, Widyatama also held free medical treatment for local residents. The low ability of residents to seek medical treatment, in contrast to their need for medical care, resulted in a high number of residents registering for the program. From a target of only about 300 patients, the number of registrants skyrocketed to 400 people with various diseases, including cancer. The patients were treated by three general practitioners and five medical personnel.
“Unfortunately, we have not yet reached that level of treatment. However, this indication proves that residents are in dire need of medical treatment,” said Anne.
This was also mentioned by Babakan Baru resident Nunung Heryati. Since 2003, this mother of two has been suffering from an unknown type of allergy. The lack of funds has prevented her from undergoing blood tests to determine the type of disease she is suffering from. As a result, Nunung only relies on medication from the community health center or free medical treatment such as that provided at Widyatama.
“Yes, I can get medication to reduce the allergies, but at night, the allergies spread throughout my body like I’ve been bitten by caterpillars,” she said. (Widi Kusuma Anggraeni/PR)***
