MAKASSAR, INDONESIA – UTM: Road to Makassar, also known as ROTMA’24, took place from May 12th to 18th in Makassar, Indonesia. This special program, organized by Jawatankuasa Kolej Mahasiswa Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (JKM KTDI), aimed to discover the origins of the Bugis people while simultaneously engaging in community service projects and promoting UTM’s undergraduate programs. The event also sought to strengthen connections between Universitas Sultan Hasanuddin (UNHAS) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (UNISMUH) with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students.
The core objective of ROTMA’24 is to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Bugis people. Participants visited historical sites such as Fort Rotterdam, La Galigo Museum, Balla Lompoa and engaged with local historians to learn about the origins and traditions of the Bugis community.
ROTMA’24 included several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at giving back to the local community. These activities emphasized environmental conservation, education support and helping out villagers. Participants helped clean local beaches, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
UTM provided financial assistance to a local school, supporting the education and future of Indonesian students. Additionally, students assisted villagers in preparing traditional meals known as ‘Tenteng Malino’ fostering cultural exchange and community bonding with notable activities at Pesantren Matahari and Desa Malino.
As part of the ROTMA’24 initiative, UTM also promoted its undergraduate programs to Indonesian students. Informative presentations and interactive sessions were set up to highlight the diverse academic opportunities available at UTM. Faculty members and current students shared their experiences and answered questions, encouraging Indonesian students to consider UTM for their higher education.
In addition to cultural and community activities, ROTMA’24 featured a diversity program that included exploring a total of five caves of Rammang-Rammang village. This unique experience allowed participants to witness the stunning natural beauty and geological wonders of the region. Guided tours educated attendees on the significance of these caves in local folklore and their importance to the ecosystem. This adventure highlighted the region’s natural diversity and promoted environmental awareness.
UTM: Road to Makassar was a memorable and enriching experience, combining cultural discovery, community service, and academic promotion. By bringing together students from Indonesia and Malaysia, ROTMA’24 fostered a deeper understanding of the Bugis heritage and built lasting connections between the two nations.
Prepared by: Nurfazrina Syakila binti Baharuddin