228 Forestry Students Strengthen Field Competencies at Perhutani Forestry Institute
Madiun — The Faculty of Forestry, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), sent hundreds of students to participate in the 2026 Plantation Forest Practice at the Perhutani Forestry Institute (PeFI), Madiun, East Java, which took place from January 11–17, 2026. This activity was conducted to strengthen field-based learning and improve the competencies of forestry students.
A total of 228 ULM Faculty of Forestry students, accompanied by seven lecturers, participated in the activity, which was centered at the PeFI Learning Center Department. This program is part of ULM’s efforts to provide contextual learning that connects academic theory with professional forest management practices.
The ULM delegation was welcomed by the Head of Perhutani Forestry Institute, Moch. Farid Januardi, and his staff. He expressed his appreciation for ULM’s continued trust in PeFI as a field laboratory for forestry students.
“This collaboration is not just an academic exercise, but also a long-term investment in preparing human resources for forestry. Many alumni of Lambung Mangkurat University are now working at Perum Perhutani,” he said.
For a week, ULM students received comprehensive training on forestry planning, teak cultivation, logging techniques, downstream wood processing, non-timber forest product (NTFP) management, and an understanding of the history of forest management at Perhutani. The material was designed to enrich students’ knowledge and skills in sustainable plantation forest management.
The Vice Dean for Finance and General Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Badaruddin, S.Hut., MP., expressed his appreciation for the partnership.
“Thank God, this year we are collaborating again with PeFI. This activity not only provides technical experience but also instills discipline, etiquette, and prepares students to face various conditions in the field without neglecting scientific values,” he said.
Through this activity, ULM affirms its commitment to producing superior, adaptive forestry graduates who are ready to face the challenges of the national forestry sector. The synergy between universities and forest management institutions such as Perhutani PeFI is a strategic step for ULM to ensure graduates possess competencies relevant to the needs of the workforce and sustainable forestry development.
