Pekanbaru – The enthusiasm and eagerness to learn among Biology students at FMIPA Universitas Riau were clearly visible on Thursday (September 4, 2025), as they gathered at the Prof. Farid Kasmy Auditorium. With great interest, they participated in the Belantara Learning Series Episode 13, organized by Belantara Foundation and held virtually via Zoom.
For the students, this event was an important moment to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom, particularly on current issues surrounding the conservation of the Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). Under the theme “Opportunities for Coexistence in Tapanuli Orangutan Conservation Efforts”, participants were eager to learn how biology, forestry, anthropology, and socio-cultural perspectives can complement each other in protecting this rare endemic species.
Their excitement grew even further as the event featured five distinguished speakers: Dr. Dolly Priatna, Edy Hendras Wahyono, Sunijaya, M.Si., Onrizal, Ph.D., and Dr. Sri Suci Utami Atmoko. Through their lectures, students gained new insights into ecology, conservation strategies, and the crucial role of local communities in preserving the Batang Toru forest, the only natural habitat of the Tapanuli Orangutan.
One of the students mentioned that this event provided motivation to keep learning and contributing to the conservation of the Tapanuli Orangutan. “We want to gain knowledge and experience directly from the experts, so that we don’t just study theories in class but also understand the real conditions of Tapanuli Orangutan conservation efforts,” they said.
Through their active participation, FMIPA UNRI students demonstrated that the young generation carries a strong spirit to keep learning, broaden their horizons, and prepare themselves to be part of the solution in protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity.
