KOTA TINGGI, May 10 – The spirit of regional collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia was further strengthened through the implementation of the International Community-Based Learning (ICBL) programme involving lecturers from Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) communities in Gugusan Adela, Kota Tinggi.

The programme formed part of ULM’s integrated learning mobility initiative and was led by Dr. Indira Fitrialini, with Imran Pashar serving as programme coordinator and field supervisor.

The initiative was conducted in collaboration with Sharin Hashim, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), UTM, together with a multidisciplinary team comprising Assoc. Prof. Dr. M Al-Muz-Zammil Yasin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli, Dr. Wimbi Apriwanda Nursiwan, Dr. Norliza Mohamad, Dr. Nurul Sahadila Abd. Rani, Dr. Ariff Hidayat Osman, Dr. Evarina Amiron, Dr. Najua Syuhada Ahmad Alhassora, Dr. Mohammad Faiz Ikhlas, and Dr. Mohd Syahidan Zainal Abidin, as well as representatives from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), namely Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hisyam Rasidi and Anisham Mohd Dom.

Held from 27 April to 9 May 2026 in FELDA Adela, Kota Tinggi, the programme featured a series of community engagement activities focusing on cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, education, entrepreneurship, and public health.

Preserving Traditional Culinary Heritage

One of the key activities introduced participants to the preparation of telur pindang, a traditional Johor slow-cooked herbal egg delicacy, together with the FELDA Adela community. The session was guided by H. Ismail, one of the first-generation settlers in FELDA Adela, who demonstrated the traditional cooking techniques and shared the cultural significance of the dish.

Participants learned that telur pindang is commonly prepared during weddings, thanksgiving ceremonies, and community gatherings, requiring a lengthy cooking process using selected leaves and traditional spices to achieve its distinctive flavour. The activity provided valuable cultural exposure while strengthening intercultural understanding between Indonesian and Malaysian participants.

Promoting Sustainable Environmental Practices

The programme also featured a compost-making workshop using household organic waste. Residents were introduced to environmentally friendly waste management practices through the use of Effective Microorganisms (EM) solution and molasses fermentation techniques.

The workshop aimed to cultivate environmental awareness and encourage sustainable living practices among the local community. Participants gained practical knowledge on converting organic waste into compost that can be used for agriculture and home gardening purposes.

Introducing Indonesian Cultural Heritage through Batik Sasirangan

At Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) FELDA Adela, ULM and UTM lecturers introduced batik sasirangan, a traditional textile art originating from South Kalimantan, Indonesia, to 21 students at SK FELDA Adela. Students actively participated in hands-on activities involving fabric tying and colouring techniques while learning about the cultural significance of the traditional art form. The programme successfully fostered creativity and enhanced appreciation for Southeast Asian cultural diversity among young learners.

Strengthening Environmental and Social Responsibility

On May 4, 2026, the programme continued with tree-planting activities and a ziarah kasih (compassionate visitation) initiative in collaboration with the FELDA Sening community.

The tree-planting activity aimed to encourage environmental conservation and increase awareness of the importance of preserving green spaces for future generations. Meanwhile, the visitation programme involved visits to five households of residents suffering from chronic illnesses, where basic health screenings, educational counselling, and motivational support were provided. These activities reflected the programme’s commitment to empathy, social responsibility, and community wellbeing.

Free Health Screening Benefits Local Community

A free health screening programme organised by ULM and UTM at Wisma FELDA Tunggal received an encouraging response from the FELDA Gugusan Adela community, with nearly 100 residents participating in the health check-up sessions.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness of preventive healthcare and the importance of early health detection while strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and local communities in promoting public wellbeing. Residents expressed appreciation for the free medical services, highlighting the programme’s positive impact on community health awareness and access to basic healthcare support.

Learning Palm Oil Plantation History and Cultivation

On May 5, the participants also joined the “Jom Kita ke Ladang” (Let’s Visit the Farm) educational visit to a palm oil plantation within the FELDA settlement area. The session provided participants with exposure to the history of palm oil plantations, cultivation methods, harvesting systems, plantation maintenance, and the production process from plantation to industry. The activity offered valuable insight into one of Malaysia’s key agricultural sectors and its socioeconomic importance to FELDA communities.

Promoting Healthy Living and Literacy Education

On May 6, a series of health and educational programmes were conducted at SK LKTP Kledang involving students from various age groups. For younger students aged six to seven years, interactive sessions on Clean and Healthy Living Behaviour (PHBS) and proper handwashing practices (CTPS) were organised to cultivate healthy habits and personal hygiene awareness from an early age.

Meanwhile, upper primary students participated in map recognition activities and literacy seminars designed to enhance reading awareness, geographical understanding, and learning motivation. The programmes reflected the importance of integrating health education and literacy development in supporting students’ holistic growth and learning experiences.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs through Smart Branding

The community empowerment activities continued on May 7, through a seminar titled “Smart Branding for Smart Businesses.” The program was attended by approximately 10 participants, consisting of local small businesses and MSME owners from FELDA Adela village.

The seminar focused on strengthening branding strategies, improving product identity, enhancing packaging design, and utilising digital promotion methods to increase the competitiveness and market value of local products. Participants gained practical insights into effective marketing communication and business development strategies suited to today’s digital economy.

Encouraging Creativity through Recycling Education

On May 8, the programme concluded with a creative recycling activity involving approximately 50 students from SK LKTP Kledang. Using used plastic bottles, students created bracelet accessories while learning about recycling concepts and environmental responsibility. The hands-on activity also supported the development of creativity and fine motor skills among children.

Overall, the International Community-Based Learning programme demonstrated the strong commitment of ULM, UTM, and the FELDA communities towards strengthening international collaboration in the areas of education, culture, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, and public health.

Beyond benefiting the local community, the programme also served as a meaningful platform for intercultural learning and regional cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia.