Collaboration with the Regional Peatland and Forest Fire Control Agency, Unismuh Makassar Forestry Department Encourages Students to Preserve Forests

MAKASSAR — The Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) collaborated with the Regional Forest Fire Control Office of Sulawesi to hold "SiPongi Goes to Campus 2026" on the 8th floor of the Iqra Tower, Monday, October 19, 2026. The event aimed to improve students' understanding of forest and land fire prevention through education, the use of monitoring technology, interactive discussions, and tree planting.

Director of Forest Fire Control, Ir. Thomas Nifinluri, M.Sc., delivered a presentation on forest and land fire data and various mitigation efforts undertaken to prevent and control fires. He emphasized the importance of education and community involvement in preventing forest and land fires.

Technology and Education for Forest Fire Prevention

During the event, Thomas presented the efforts to control forest fires that require support from various parties, including universities and communities. Understanding the causes of fires, preventive measures, and monitoring mechanisms are important for building a shared awareness of the threat of forest and land fires.

The use of the SiPongi technology was also a focus of the event. The system was introduced as a means of obtaining information related to forest and land fires, which can support monitoring and increase awareness of potential fires.

The Rector of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Ir. H. Abd. Rakhim Nanda, S.T., M.T., IPU., appreciated the implementation of "SiPongi Goes to Campus 2026" because it provided a learning opportunity for students and academics regarding forest fire control. According to him, the introduction of fire monitoring technology can broaden students' knowledge of the use of technology in environmental protection.

He also considered that such activities are important to bring practical knowledge of forest fire control closer to the academic environment. This allows students to learn about environmental issues not only through theory but also through the understanding of preventive and control approaches applied in the field.

Interactive Discussion on the Causes and Impacts of Fires

After the presentation, the event continued with a talk show and interactive discussion involving representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar, the Regional Forest Fire Control Office of Sulawesi, and the Forestry Study Program. The discussion discussed the causes and impacts of forest and land fires, prevention strategies, and the contribution of universities in supporting forest protection.

This forum provided an opportunity for participants to delve into the issues of forest and land fires from an academic and practical perspective. The exchange of views between participants and speakers also served to strengthen the understanding of the importance of prevention before fires spread and cause environmental damage.

In addition to the discussion, the organizers held an interactive quiz to test participants' understanding of the presented material. The activity was part of an educational approach that encourages students to actively participate in the prevention campaign of forest and land fires.

Tree Planting as a Concrete Action

The "SiPongi Goes to Campus 2026" event also included tree planting as a form of concern for environmental sustainability. This activity complemented the presentation and discussion with a concrete action that emphasized the importance of maintaining ecosystem sustainability.

Through this activity, students are expected not only to understand the dangers of forest fires but also to spread preventive information to the community. The involvement of young people is considered important to build an environmental awareness culture and encourage actions that support forest protection.

The collaboration between the Forestry Study Program of Unismuh Makassar and the Regional Forest Fire Control Office of Sulawesi is part of the effort to strengthen the relationship between universities and the government in environmental education. This collaboration is expected to continue through learning activities, public campaigns, and conservation actions involving students on an ongoing basis.

Through "SiPongi Goes to Campus 2026," Unismuh Makassar encourages students to play a role in preventing forest and land fires. Strengthening environmental literacy, using technology, and direct involvement are expected to foster young people's awareness of forest sustainability.

The event is closely related to the SDGs, specifically SDG 13 Climate Action, by taking concrete actions to address climate change and its impacts. SDG 15 Life on Land, by protecting forests, stopping deforestation, combating desertification, and conserving biodiversity.