RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A cross-border academic partnership is bringing practical solutions to rural Indonesia, as students from Makassar Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) and Singapore Polytechnic work together to support farming and livestock communities in South Sulawesi.

The initiative, part of the International Community Service-Learning Express 2026 program, runs from March 31 to April 10 in Tondong Tallasa, Pangkep Regency. It focuses on empowering local communities through applied research and innovation.

Program coordinator Wildan Burhanuddin said three key projects are being implemented: supporting palm sugar farmers, improving honey production, and strengthening cattle farming practices.

Participants, comprising 30 students from Unismuh and 32 students along with three lecturers from Singapore Polytechnic, are tasked not only with observing but also developing solutions using a design thinking approach.

“The output is prototyping. After the program ends, students and lecturers usually continue consultations to further develop these prototypes,” Wildan said on Wednesday, April 1, as quoted by Antara.

Preparations for the program began months earlier, including initial surveys and engagement with local communities since late last year, ensuring that solutions are tailored to real needs on the ground.

The collaboration highlights a growing emphasis on international academic partnerships that combine education, innovation, and community impact, particularly in advancing sustainable agriculture and livestock sectors in rural Indonesia. ***