USK & USM Successfully Implement Summer School Program for Sustainable Mining
The Mining Engineering Study Program of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), in collaboration with the Department of Mineral Resources Engineering (DMRE) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has successfully conducted a Summer School program themed Acehnese Southwestern Coastal Harmony: Integrating Sustainability, Mining Innovation, Environmental Strategies, and Community Adventure from 27 April to 19 May 2024. This program aims to integrate aspects of sustainability, mining innovation, environmental strategies, and community development, striving to implement best and sustainable mining practices, as well as foster collaboration among all stakeholders.
On the closing ceremony, 18 May 2024, Prof. Dr. Ir. Iskandar, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and representative of the USK Faculty of Engineering, highlighted that this program represents an effort to enhance the quality of mining engineering education to an international level, aligning with USK’s vision of becoming a World Class University (WCU). He also expressed his appreciation to the supporters and sponsors of this program, including the Hibah WCU USK, PT MIFA Bersaudara, PT Bara Energi Lestari, and PT Solusi Bangun Andalas.
Echoing these sentiments, the Coordinator of the Mining Engineering Study Program of USK, Ir. Pocut Nurul Alam, M.T., stated that this program is based on USK’s strategic plan for internationalization, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between USM and USK. The Agreement between the Faculty of Engineering of USK and the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering (SMMRE) of USM, as well as collaboration with stakeholders such as the Indonesian Mining Professional Association (PERHAPI) Aceh Regional Representative Council, the Mining Engineering Student Association (HMTP), and the Office of International Affairs (OIA) of USK, further strengthen this activity. The program is also supported by various other parties including the Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Aceh Mining Inspector, and NETCAD.
She also hoped that such Summer School programs could continue to achieve better education through collaboration with international universities. Through this program, it is hoped that good communication and cooperation will be established between universities and all relevant stakeholders to achieve the vision of a World Class University and a World Class Mining Industry.
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Syed Fuad Saiyid Hashim, head of the USM delegation, expressed his joy at bringing students from DMRE USM to see mining conditions in Aceh. This serves as a comparison with the mining processes in Malaysia and provides practical learning beyond theory for DMRE USM students.
The Summer School activities were conducted both online and offline. A total of 26 USK students and 32 USM students participated, accompanied by around 20 supervisors consisting of university lecturers, mining industry staff, and government officials.
The program began with online lectures aimed at preparing students with knowledge related to the Summer School theme. Topics covered included hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental policies, mining planning simulations using Net-Hydro, mine site rehabilitation, and more. These lectures were delivered by lecturers from USK and USM, mining industry practitioners, representatives from mining associations, inspectors and regulators from the government, and other relevant stakeholders.
After the online lectures, Summer School participants engaged in community engagement activities with local communities around the mining sites. This aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the relationship between the mining industry and surrounding communities. Activities were held at Vocational School of SMK 4 Pertambangan Meulaboh on the topic of Mine Drainage and Water Management, as well as at Vocational School of SMK Negeri 1 Lhoknga and Senior High School of SMA Negeri 1 Leupung on the topic of Good Mining Practice. Additionally, Summer School participants visited Teuku Umar University in Meulaboh for a campus tour and discussion led by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Ir. Irwansyah S.T., M.Eng, IPM, and Korpus CIA UTU Refanja Rahmatillah, M.App.Ling.
The following day, participants conducted site visits to several mining industries in Aceh, including PT Solusi Bangun Andalas, PT MIFA Bersaudara, and PT Bara Energi Lestari. The visits started with a tour of PT MIFA Bersaudara’s viewpoint, sump area, water treatment (Mega Pond), and reclamation area. Participants also visited PT Solusi Bangun Andalas to see the quartz mineral cave (Karst) in Wheung Dalam, the cement processing and production area, and the reclamation area. Site visits were guided by professional teams from each company to ensure interactive and inspiring discussions among participants.
In addition to mining-related activities, the Summer School program also included cultural tourism activities. These were designed to introduce the rich culture of Aceh to Malaysian students. USM students had a chance to visit historical and interesting places in Aceh, such as Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Aceh Traditional Market, Lhoknga Beach, and Rahmatullah Lampuuk Mosque. Outbound games were also organized to foster harmony and teamwork between students from both countries at the Lhoknga beach cliff tourist area.
