Batu, August 11, 2024 – As participants in an international program focused on environmental awareness, AEGIS (Airlangga’s Extraordinary Green Industry Summer Summit Towards Environmental Sustainability), 12 international students took part in a workshop and class on orchids at DD Orchid Nursery, located in Junrejo District, Batu City. In collaboration with several lecturers from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, as well as the local orchid farming community, participants gained a deeper understanding of orchids as one of Indonesia’s endemic flowers that must be preserved.
The event began at 9:00 AM with an introductory lecture on orchids by Prof. Dr. Edy Setiti Wida Utami, M.S., a biology professor specializing in biodiversity and tropical plant cultivation. In her presentation, she explained that orchids are highly unique flowers, thriving only in equatorial regions like Indonesia. She also emphasized that orchids are not only admired for their beauty as ornamental plants but also hold significant benefits for society. Through her explanation, AEGIS participants gained a clearer perspective on Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
Following the lecture, participants were taken on a guided tour of the orchid garden by its owner, Mr. Dedek Setia Santoso, accompanied by Dr. Anjar Tri Wibowo, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a biology lecturer. During the tour, Mr. Dedek shared insights into various types of orchids cultivated and developed at his nursery. He mentioned that numerous new orchid hybrids had been successfully created at his facility through crossbreeding.
To further enhance their knowledge, Mr. Dedek invited the participants to try crossbreeding orchids themselves. The students, especially those from countries where orchids do not naturally grow, displayed enthusiasm and excitement as they had the rare opportunity to crossbreed orchids firsthand. After completing the process, they were even allowed to name their newly created orchid hybrids after themselves.
At the end of the event, Malony Zorodzai, a participant from Zimbabwe, shared his impressions and reflections on the activity. Coming from a country far from Indonesia, where orchids do not naturally grow, Malony expressed that the knowledge and hands-on experience of crossbreeding orchids were invaluable and deepened his appreciation for nature.
Through this insightful and impactful experience, AEGIS participants from around the world gained valuable knowledge that supports their involvement in conserving and sustaining the planet’s biodiversity. Grounded in SDG Goal 15: Life on Land, the participants left with renewed motivation and inspiration to develop innovative ideas for preserving the natural wealth of their own countries as part of their commitment and responsibility to the environment.
