Aceh Besar, June 1–2, 2025 — A team of nature-loving students from the Student Nature Lovers Organization (UKM PA) Barracuda, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), carried out an adventurous yet insightful cave exploration on June 1–2, 2025. The expedition, which covered Goa Angin, Goa Ie, and Goa Salju in Aceh Besar, was a joint initiative in collaboration with UKM PA Canniva from the Faculty of Agriculture.
This inter-faculty collaboration aimed not only to strengthen camaraderie among student nature lovers but also to promote environmental education and awareness through direct interaction with natural landscapes. Participants engaged in mapping, biodiversity observation, and discussions on the importance of conserving subterranean ecosystems.
“These caves represent more than natural beauty — they are living classrooms. Exploring them allows us to better understand geological history, groundwater systems, and the delicate biodiversity they harbor,” said one of the coordinators from UKM PA Barracuda.
The expedition aligns closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education, by offering experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom.
- SDG 13: Climate Action, as participants observed signs of climate influence on cave microenvironments.
- SDG 15: Life on Land, by emphasizing the importance of protecting karst landscapes and cave ecosystems.
Beyond the scientific aspects, the activity fostered a strong message of environmental stewardship and student leadership. The collaboration between the two student organizations demonstrated how academic communities can come together to create meaningful impact while nurturing a culture of adventure, exploration, and ecological respect.
The success of the expedition is expected to lead to future collaborative initiatives, contributing further to student development, environmental research, and sustainable awareness among the youth in Aceh and beyond.
