Written by By Mohamad Burhanudin
Communications Manager, BNF Indonesia
After going through a series of rigorous selections, four students from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangka Raya (UPR) have been awarded the Orangutan Caring Scholarship (OCS) 2021. The four students, all coming from the forestry department are: Immanuelo Oasis, Dian Atma Sari, Viona Nadya Situmorang, and Tallu Lembang.
OCS is a scholarship program, implemented in Central Kalimantan, aims to encourage the younger generation to care about forest conservation its biodiversity. This scholarship, initiated in 2018 by the Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF) is the result of a collaboration with the Orangutan Republic Foundation (ORF), The Orangutan Project (TOP), and the Andrew Sabin Family (ASF).
Photo by Joan Prahara/BNF
On Wednesday, 30th of June, Deputy Dean I for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture, UPR, Dr. Ir. Nyahu Rumbang, MP., explained that the scholarship recipients have passed a rigorous selection process, starting from administrative tests to academic potential, with a minimum required grade point index of 3.25. At this stage, 14 recipients were selected and were assigned to write a letter of motivation, a short autobiography, and an essay on the theme of forest and orangutan conservation in Kalimantan, to be presented to the jury.
“At the end, these four students were chosen. They obtained the best scores on various rating scales, such as essay quality, motivation, presentation skills, and so on,” said Nyahu, who was also one of the jury members.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangka Raya, Dr. Ir. Sosilawaty, MP expressed his gratitude to BNF, ORF, TOP, and ASF, who awarded scholarships to their students.
“This scholarship is very helpful for students, especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Deputy Director II of BNF Indonesia, Agnes Ferisa, explained that the Orangutan Care Scholarship program was established in 2018 and will continue every year. Unlike other scholarships, this scholarship does not only provide financial assistance to cover tuition needs, but also provides training and a forum for activities, an opportunity to get involved in many conservation activities.
Photo by Joan Prahara/BNF
“We want to encourage students who are motivated and enthusiastic to contribute to conservation in Central Kalimantan. Not only by studying in college, but also by understanding how to use their knowledge for the benefit of forest conservation in Central Kalimantan, including orangutan protection” said Agnes.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Orangutan Republik Foundation, Gary Shapiro, expressed his appreciation for the participants who demonstrated a lot of enthusiasm about participating in this scholarship selection. Gary hopes that this scholarship will be useful for the four students in completing their studies, and will encourage them to be even more concerned and involved in the conservation of orangutans and their habitat.
