The Biology Department Student Association (HMJ) of Padang State University (UNP) hosted an Environmental Awareness (Darling) event in Jorong Pariangan, Nagari Pariangan Batusangkar, Tanah Datar district. The event, which was held at the location where the PORPROV fire was extinguished and in one of the world’s most picturesque villages, spanned three days from Friday to Sunday (November 11-13, 2016). Carrying the theme Biology Goes To Villages, and Assisting Students in Realizing the Tridarma of Higher Education within the Context of Humanitarian Service.
The chief executive officer, Threo Wanda Marten, stated that 404 TM 2015 and 2016 pupils participated in Darling this year. This event was intended to fulfill the third Tridarma of Higher Education, which is community service. “The services rendered include blood sugar tests, cholesterol tests, the distribution of seeds (mahogany, surian, durian, Dayak onions, petai, matoa, mangosteen and soursop), the production of organic fertilizers, the creation of Family Welfare Development (PKK) gardens, and the introduction of media education,” he explained.
Rahmadhani Fitri, M.Pd., the administrator of HMJ Biology, conveyed gratitude to the government and people of Pariangan for granting permission for Darling to be conducted. “Hopefully, this event will proceed as planned,” he said. Wali Nagari Pariangan, Mulkhairi, S.Pd, M.Sc., welcomed the community service-performing students and the campus. The government of Nagari Pariangan hopes that this activity will provide beneficial information to the adjacent community, particularly regarding agriculture, since the majority of the population is comprised of farmers. In addition, Mulkhairi believes that this activity will foster a positive relationship between the Pariangan people and UNP biology students.
On the first day, the pioneers set up the pavilions, and then the chief of the Biology Department, represented by Ms. Rahmadhani Fitri, M.Pd., opened the festival. The Wali Nagari, local student leaders, the pioneer team, and the implementing committee were also present. The culmination of this activity was community service on the second day, which began at 08.00 WIB with blood sugar tests, cholesterol tests, distribution of seeds (mahogany, surian, durian, Dayak onions, petai, matoa, mangosteen, and soursop), making organic fertilizers, creating a Family Welfare Development Park (PKK), and an introduction to learning media. The third day was concluded by the director of the Biology Department, who also distributed placards and footballs to the local youth. We hope that in the future, through this activity, we can raise environmental awareness and prevent environmental damage.