Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram), through the Office of International Affairs (OIA), officially welcomed 22 Australian students and 9 Unram students participating in the Environmental Internship Program, a collaborative initiative between Unram and International Internships. The opening ceremony was held on Tuesday, 26 November 2025, at the Rectorate Meeting Room.

The opening event was attended by the Vice Rector for Cooperation, Planning, and Information Systems, Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D.; the Coordinator of Global Mobility at OIA, Apt. Mahacita Andanalusia, S.Farm., M.Farm.; the Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni of the Faculty of Agriculture, Mahardika Rizqi Himawan, S.I.K., M.Si.; lecturers from the Marine Science Study Program; and the Program Manager of International Internships, Darmadi Veterando. Their presence highlighted Unram’s support and commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration.

Before the official opening, the participants joined a pre-departure orientation on 24 November 2025, designed to prepare them for their one-month internship in Lombok. The session introduced Indonesian cultural values, do’s and don’ts, basic language skills, and practical guidelines for engaging with local communities. This orientation was attended by the Vice Head of OIA, Dr. Dewi Satria Elmiana, and conducted at the Auditorium, Building A, 3rd Floor, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Unram.

Throughout the program, all participants will be assigned to four research teams, including one working closely with the Marine Science Study Program of the Faculty of Agriculture. Their activities will focus on field-based studies related to environmental issues, such as coastal ecosystems and marine conservation, carried out collaboratively between Australian and Unram students.

In his remarks, Prof. Akmaluddin expressed his appreciation for the program’s implementation at Unram and shared his hope that this collaboration will continue to grow in the coming years. Darmadi Veterando also conveyed his gratitude to Unram and OIA for their strong support and cooperation in hosting the Environmental Internship Program.