Lombok, June 4, 2025 — In a collaborative spirit of global volunteerism and cultural exchange, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia, Global Volunteer Exchange in partnership with the University of Mataram (Unram), Indonesia, successfully conducted a week-long Global Volunteer Program in Lombok from May 31 to June 5, 2025..
The initiative brought together 14 students and one supervisor from UiTM, and 18 Unram students from various faculties. Over five days, the group engaged in a series of impactful community-based, environmental, educational, and cultural activities aimed at fostering leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable development.
Day 1 – May 31, 2025: Grand Opening and Leadership Session
The program commenced with an opening ceremony at the Dome, University of Mataram, marked by a lively Gendang Beleq traditional music performance, warmly welcoming the delegates from Malaysia. The ceremony was held in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business and symbolized the official start of the joint volunteer initiative.
One of the UiTM Shah Alam students had the opportunity to deliver a leadership presentation, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and ideas. The day continued with a Unram campus tour, allowing participants to explore the academic and cultural landscape of the university.
Day 2 – June 1, 2025: Environmental Action with a Purpose
The second day focused on eco-volunteering in collaboration with the Aquaculture Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Unram. Volunteers planted 200 mangrove seedlings in Lembar Selatan, contributing to the preservation of coastal areas and prevention of erosion. A beach cleanup followed at Cemara Beach, involving local youth and beach visitors, emphasizing environmental education and action. The day concluded with a visit to the scenic Bukit Merese in Mandalika.
Day 3 – June 2, 2025: Promoting Hygiene and Care at Peduli Anak Foundation
Volunteers visited the Peduli Anak Foundation, a leading non-profit that has positively impacted over 30,000 children. Activities included dental hygiene education, hand-washing routines, and nail trimming, providing fun and informative ways to promote personal care and health to children.
Day 4 – June 3, 2025: Inspiring with STEM at SMPN 20 Mataram
The team brought STEM learning to SMP Negeri 20 Mataram, the sole partner school for this initiative. Principal M. Taufan Q.A., S.Pd. expressed his appreciation and hope that such activities will boost students’ motivation. The hands-on sessions included engaging experiments like volcano simulations, cup stacking, cross puzzles, and breathing mechanism models, all designed to nurture creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Day 5 – June 4, 2025: Cultural Immersion and Celebration
The final day immersed volunteers in Sasak culture through visits to Sade Village and Sukarara Village, where they learned traditional customs and songket weaving techniques. The program concluded with a vibrant Cultural Night, featuring traditional dances, flash mobs, and a fashion show showcasing local attire, reinforcing cultural appreciation and cross-border friendship.
This collaborative volunteer program showcases Unram’s dedication to its Tridharma of Higher Education, particularly in community service (pengabdian kepada masyarakat). It also aligns with Unram’s vision to become a globally competitive institution, actively engaging in international collaboration and student development.
