UMP-UI Ikatan Serumpun program focuses on occupational safety and health sustainability

DEPOK, INDONESIA, 14 June 2023 - The UMP-UI Ikatan Serumpun programme with the theme 'Hand-in-hand towards a Sustainable Tomorrow,' organized by the Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology (FSTI), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), and the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia (UI), has successfully made an impact on community services in Indonesia.

The community service programme conducted in Tahu Tempe Industrial Village, Citeureup Village, and Medical Equipment Companies, Nagasari Village, is seen as able to assist the local community in managing occupational safety and health (OSH) and waste management from the tempe production process.

The programme was led by Ts. Dr. Azizan Ramli from the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FIST), who was accompanied by the programme director, Dr. Khairiah Mohd Mokhtar, Dr. Mohd Najib Yacob, Dr. Nor Adila Mohd Omar, Dr. Wan Norfazilah Wan Ismail, and Dr. Nurul Huda Abu Bakar, along with ten second and third-year students from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Safety and Health program.

According to Ts. Dr. Azizan, the program aims to foster a culture of "Community for Community" through social empowerment and promote a spirit of volunteerism among the community.

"In addition, participants also have the opportunity to exchange ideas and expertise in the field of Occupational Safety and Health and promote UMP to the international community.

"The outcomes of implementing various sub-programs also fulfil three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure achieved through HazAway Solutions - Providing Sustainable Workplace, where this activity can encourage comprehensive and sustainable industrial development and promote innovation in current issues of occupational safety and health," he said.

Similarly, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is achieved through AquaCare Sustainability - Conserving Environment for Future Generations, which provides new insights into waste management to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Furthermore, SDG 4: Quality Education is achieved through the implementation of the Youth Safety UMP-UI Network, which promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially students.

Meanwhile, Dr. Khairiah stated that this programme involves the collaboration of students from both institutions in conducting monitoring and assessment activities for occupational safety and health risks in the tempe and medical equipment manufacturing industries.

"Students presented risk assessment results to improve the working environment, which indirectly enhances workers' productivity.

"This programme also includes post-assessment within a three-month period to monitor continuous improvements after the programme is implemented.

"This includes the initial assessment of wastewater treatment processes in tempe production, the introduction of sustainable treatment methods for the environment (from waste to wealth), implementation of treatment methods, monitoring, and effectiveness evaluation," she explained.

Additionally, the use of starter fertilizer for waste from tempe production was introduced to the local community and UI students.

The effectiveness of waste management applications for tempe waste will be assessed over a period of one to three months, based on the types of plants used.

There was also a forum programme conducted by students from both institutions (UMP-UI) related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the industrial sector in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Under the title 'Occupational Safety and Health 5.0: Deployment and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,' this forum exposed students to workplace planning and administration, and environmental aspects.

The programme was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, UI, Professor Dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, Manager of Cooperation and Alumni Relations, Associate Professor Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, and Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Program, Associate Professor Dr. Mila Tejamaya.

Others present included Camat Citeureup, Dr. Ridwan Said, S.STP, M.Si, and Kepala Desa Citeureup, Marwan Hermawan, who represented the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of Citeureup-Bogor and the Head of the Cooperative and SME Agency of Bogor Regency, Asep Mulyana Sudrajat.

By: Dr. Wan Norfazilah Wan Ismail, Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology 
Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMP Career Centre (UMPCC)