Balikpapan, August 7, 2025 – On the night of August 5, the skies above Bukit Bengkirai glowed with the light of a bonfire, echoing with laughter from the participants of Mulawarman University’s Summer School program (SUNTROPiS). Forty-nine people—international students, buddy students, committee members, and faculty from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA)—gathered in a circle, kicking off two days of adventure in Balikpapan’s tropical forest.
The cool night air mixed with the cheers of six spirited teams: Tarsius, Enggang, Pesut, Orang Utan, Bekantan, and Beruang Madu. Their chants rang through the trees, each more energetic than the last. When the competition ended, the Bekantan and Tarsius teams were crowned champions of the night.
The next morning began with cheerful energy as participants gathered in an open field for a group morning exercise. Simple movements paired with laughter brought everyone closer, especially when participants from different countries tried to follow the rhythm of Indonesian-style aerobics.
After the workout, the atmosphere shifted to a calmer yet enriching tone. Lecturers from FMIPA UNMUL introduced participants to the diverse flora of East Kalimantan—from towering rainforest trees to rare medicinal plants. The group listened intently, taking notes and asking questions about each plant’s unique traits and uses.
Following the presentation, laughter returned as participants engaged in team games. Jokes and cheers filled the air, breaking down cultural barriers and turning strangers into teammates. The much-anticipated hike to Bukit Bengkirai was, unfortunately, canceled due to heavy rain.
Still, the spirits remained high. “The most important thing is that we learned and laughed together. This is an experience I’ll never forget,” one international student said with a broad smile.
For them, Bukit Bengkirai was more than just a forest reserve—it became a stage for cross-cultural connection, where new friendships took root beneath the towering canopy of Kalimantan’s tropical rainforest.
Reporter: Muhammad Aufar Radifan Nazhari
