Manokwari, July 7, 2025, Bentara Papua welcomed three students, Weldemina Yanti Samanui, Sisilia Yogi, and Shella Rumbiak, from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), University of Papua to undertake fieldwork internships (PKL) at Udohotma Station. These students will be directly involved in various Bentara Papua activities in environmental protection and biodiversity research in the mountainous region, which is rich in endemic flora and fauna.

                                Penerimaan tiga Mahasiswa Biologi UNIPA di Pondok Bentara Papua

July 10, 2025, Since arriving at Udohotma Station, the students have also learned directly from the local community. Udohotma Station has become a vital part of supporting education and serving as a learning center for indigenous peoples, communities, and women's groups. Students have carried out various activities, including observing pests and diseases in coffee plants, cultivating coffee plants, identifying lizards, observing intelligent birds, making organic fertilizer (POC), and providing information about menstruation to teenagers.

                       Mahasiswa PKL Mengamati hama dan penyakit Pada Tanaman kopi

According to the head of the Udohotma station, Demius Aud, "This fieldwork experience is a unique opportunity for students to experience the ecosystem in the Arfak Mountains firsthand and learn directly from us, the local community, and the community."

"They gain so many new things and gain knowledge directly from nature, not just from books. This is a most valuable experience for them," said Demius.

Students also engage directly with schoolchildren at SD Negeri 49 Samuel Kobrey, providing them with knowledge about nature and the environment.

This fieldwork experience focuses not only on scientific aspects but also on cultural approaches. Students are encouraged to build dialogue with indigenous communities, learn about local knowledge systems, and record community narratives about their forests.

"We want students to see that conservation is not just about knowledge, but also about social justice and local wisdom," continued the head of the Udohotma station.

The hope for the internship students is that after completing their internship, they will gain new experiences and knowledge to broaden their horizons and prepare them for further study.

"We hope that every student who participates in internships at Bentara Papua can become a cadre in providing knowledge, education, and strengthening the role of the younger generation in preserving the ecosystem in Papua," Demius Aud continued.