As the name implies, the Bukit Indah Campus of Universitas Malikussaleh does have a beauty that has not been fully explored, even by the academic community. So when the lecturers and education staff went around the hills around the Bukit Indah Campus for more than a week, many realized that there were several beautiful and challenging points to cross for hiking sports lovers.
On the first day of training, not too many people attended because there was no information. The Chancellor of Malikussaleh University, Dr. Herman Fihtra Asean Eng, and many lecturers and education staff crossed the campus ring road. In addition to hiking exercises, the Chancellor invited prospective climbers to better recognize the Bukit Indah campus area. Many of the Bukit Indah Campus boundaries, which used to be the ExxonMobil Employee Housing Complex, have disappeared.
"But the boundaries of this area have been included in the satellite imagery," said Chancellor Herman Fitra, last May. This statement seems to emphasize that although some of the boundaries of the Bukit Indah Campus have disappeared, the boundaries of the area are still legally clear and cannot be removed.
The first day, the level of elevation of the hill that was crossed was not too steep. However, in the following days, in an exercise that was also guided by activists from the UKM activists of the Malikussaleh University for Nature Lovers (Umpal). For example, the Chancellor took the participants across the hill above the Campus of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, which has a sharp slope. Even to climb to the top of the hill, Irhamna Ikhwan et al prepared a rope to hold on to.
"In Burni Telong, at some points, climbers have to use ropes," said the Mechanical Engineering student who is also the head of the Umpal UKM. Yup, this exercise is indeed in preparation for the peak of Burni Telong in Bener Meriah Regency with an altitude of 2,624 meters above sea level (masl).
Spartan training is not enough for just one or two days because the terrain faced at Burni Telong, Bener Meriah, is much tougher. Based on this consideration, the Chancellor of Universitas Malikussaleh increased the training portion for several people who were targeted to reach the top. The additional exercise was carried out twice in the morning until noon in the scorching sun.
The starting point from Hagu Selatan Village, Lhokseumawe, to the highest peak in Lhokseumawe, really drains energy, let alone the added burden on the back. No wonder then that the lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture, Riyandhi Praza MSi, fell twice in the hills and pond area. The terrain feels heavier than the afternoon training around the Bukit Indah Campus. "But I'm still enthusiastic about training because I was inspired by a tough senior lecturer who devoured difficult climbs," said Riyan laughing.
In two additional training sessions, the Chancellor of Unimal took the participants across the highest hills behind Guha Japan, a tourist destination in Lhokseumawe City. Above the peak, the wind blows hard to provide freshness and relieve fatigue after traveling on foot up the hills. Down there, the gas tanks belonging to PT Perta Arun Gas, the port, and the city of Lhokseumawe can be seen faintly. Meanwhile, the Strait of Malacca looks bluish from a distance.
Not all who join are young lecturers. There are also many senior lecturers such as the Chair of the Master of Management Science Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr Marbawi, who will turn 57 in December 2021. The presence of Marbawi along with other senior lecturers such as Dr. Dahlan Abdullah and several others helped fuel the spirit in crossing difficult fields.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon practice, the atmosphere was more colorful because it was also attended by family members of the Malikussaleh University lecturers and nature lovers. Senior lecturers such as Muhammad Zakaria MT and a number of other names were also present to encourage the young people.
This spartan exercise had a double impact. Besides being good for health, it also makes all academics know and love the environment more. According to Dwi Fitri MA, a lecturer in the Communication Studies Study Program, this activity also adds to the friendship between fellow lecturers and their families. "It's good that activities like this are held regularly on campus," said Dwi, who is always enthusiastic about training. [Ayi Jufridar]
Photos by @taministy