Professor of the FF UNAIR, Prof. Dr. apt. Sukardiman, MS., contributed as the Chair of the Patriot Expedition Team of Indonesia's Ministry of Transmigration in 2026. In this program, Prof. Sukardiman led a multidisciplinary team that would conduct regional potential mapping, community mentoring, applied research, and development program planning in the transmigration area of Papua.
In the implementation of the 2026 Patriot Expedition, Prof. Sukardiman brought a program titled "Optimization of Palm Waste as Growing Media for Oyster Mushrooms to Support Healthy Sanitation and Economic Improvement for Communities in Prafi District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua." This program was designed to optimize the potential of local resources through the utilization of palm waste as growing media for oyster mushrooms. This innovation was expected to provide dual benefits: supporting waste management and healthier sanitation while opening opportunities for economic improvement for the community.
Prof. Sukardiman explained that the Patriot Expedition program would run for four months. The team arrived in Manokwari, West Papua, on August 3, 2026, and was directly received by the Vice Regent of Manokwari, H. Mugiyono, at the Manokwari Regent's Office.
During the program implementation, the team would interact directly with the community to identify various potentials and problems in the transmigration area. The approach taken was not only research-oriented but also focused on the application of research results and mentoring that could provide real impact for the community.
Prof. Sukardiman's involvement in the 2026 Patriot Expedition represented a concrete form of academics' contribution in implementing knowledge to address various development challenges. The academic expertise and experience he possesses were hoped to be combined with the multidisciplinary perspectives of team members to produce solutions appropriate to community needs and regional characteristics.
"For me, contributing to Indonesia means applying knowledge to solve national problems and improve people's welfare in a concrete and equitable manner," said Prof. Sukardiman.
Furthermore, Prof. Sukardiman stated that his involvement in the Patriot Expedition represented an opportunity to directly contribute to transmigration communities through an innovation and local potential-based approach.
"Through the Patriot Expedition Team, I want to contribute to the empowerment of transmigration communities through innovation, mentoring, and strengthening of local potential to create economic independence and improve welfare sustainably. I believe that impactful change is born from collaboration, real work, and a spirit of service."
Prof. Sukardiman’s involvement in this program aligns with the SDGs, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through efforts to support sanitation and community quality of life, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through the development of community economic potential. Additionally, multidisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration in the Patriot Expedition also supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
