Published: 01 Dec 2023

A total of 27 students from the International Relations Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, President University (Presuniv), participated in a series of field lectures over a four-day period from November 22 to 25, 2023, in Probolinggo, East Java. They were guided by Dr. Muhammad Sigit Andi Rahman, a lecturer in the International Relations Study Program. During the field lecture, the students learned firsthand about the implementation of gender and disability in inclusive development programs. The Probolingo Projects are a result of the partnership between the Indonesian government and Australia. The goal of the program is to enhance inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the region through improved infrastructure access.

Sigit Andi Rahman expressed, "These field lectures are the realization of the Memorandum of Understanding between Presuniv and the Penabulu Foundation." On the first day, the field lecture included discussions between students and stakeholders at the office of the Traffic and Transportation Forum (Forum Lalu Lintas dan Angkutan Jalan or FLLAJ) in Probolinggo. Stakeholders from Probolinggo included representatives from the Indonesian Blind Union (Pertuni), Muslimat Nahdatul Ulama, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Works and Housing. There, students learned about the planning process, community involvement, and the implementation of public infrastructure development in Probolinggo. In the evening, students conducted action research by evaluating public facilities at Alun-Alun Kota Probolinggo. The next day, students observed firsthand road infrastructure developments and supporting facilities at Seruni Point, Bromo Mountain Tourism Area. They received a technical briefing on how social inclusion standards are applied in infrastructure development projects there.

"This field lecture makes the teaching and learning process on campus more relevant and provides direct real-world experience for students," said Sigit Andi Rahman. He continued, by stating that inclusive development requires collaboration from various parties across multiple sectors and levels, both locally and globally. (JB Susetiyo, PR team. Report and photos: Muhammad Sigit Andi Rahman)