The School of Business and Management at the Bandung, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB) officially closed Global Project-Based Learning (GPBL), a collaborative program between Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Galuh University in Bandung (July 31). Ten student groups from across universities had previously visited villages to address issues in the field, ranging from the potential for nutmeg and coffee to various socio-economic issues facing communities in Ciamis Regency, West Java.
Each student group presented their observations and the solutions they formulated during the program. Several groups were awarded for the most thoughtful insights and solutions.
At the closing ceremony, forestry management expert Andang Priadi said that environmental sustainability must be the basis for developing village economic activities. He emphasised the importance of tangible benefits when students design sustainable economic solutions at the village level.
“If the original habitat is destroyed, what will they eat? When humans design economic prototypes at the village level, there must be benefits for the villagers,” Andang said.
Andang discussed the development of the Mount Sawal area, the highest forest and mountain in Ciamis. He explained how the area has long supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community.
” There are many economic activities related to hillside cultivation in the area. Coffee and sugar palm are grown there, and several locations have also been developed as tourist destinations. These are all empirical conditions of Mount Sawal, how economic activity aligns with observations, while still adhering to existing space and regulations,” Andang said.
Galuh University lecturer Kornel Soemardi emphasised that the program’s goal is not just quantity, but also quality.
“The biggest learning experience is when participants return to their respective locations and discuss the program,” said Kornel.
The official event concluded with an awards ceremony and a joint documentation session. Through this GPBL program, the collaboration between universities is expected to strengthen institutional relationships, provide valuable learning for participants, and bring insights and tangible contributions to the village.
