MaxFM, Waingapu – English – Universitas Kristen Wira Wacana (Unkriswina) Sumba had hosted the 3rd International Conference on Climate Change and Culture in 2021. The conference, which was conducted from Wednesday to Thursday (October 20-21, 2021), took topics of climate change, biodiversity, food security, and local knowledge. At this conference, four speakers had been awarded best speakers. They were two lecturers of Unkriswina Sumba, Lusianus H. S. Kelen and Elsa Christin Saragih; one lecturer of Universitas Kristen Artha Wacana (UKAW) Kupang, Umbu P. L. Dawa; and one lecturer of Instituto Catolico para a Formacao de Professores (ICFP) Baucau Republik Demokrat Timor Leste (RDTL), Dominggas Belo.

Upon the conference closing, Elsa Christin Saragih said that she was surprised at being awarded one of the best speakers. Humbly, she added that compared to other presenters, she was a novice in such an event. Because of that reason, she was pleased with the achievement. Further, Elsa said that the accomplishment encourages her to do more studies. She also plans to join similar events in the future.

“Initially, there were some glitches with the internet connection that some presenters were late to join. However, I am satisfied with what I can achieve, knowing that other speakers may have more experiences than I do,” she said.

When she was asked about her preparation for the conference, Elsa mentioned that she arranged her presentation materials a few days prior to the event. However, she said that her research had been carried since early 2021.

“From this event, I am more aware that we have to improve our skills in English. That way, we can learn from multiple sources without worrying about language barriers,” she added.

In her presentation, Elsa discussed the role of Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT), local groups of female farmers, in a program attempting to improve crops production, especially rice, corn, and soya bean. The study which was carried out in Kelurahan Kawangu, a subdistrict in Pandawai of East Sumba regency, found that women played a significant role in sustaining food security.

The Rector of Unkriswina Sumba, Dr. Maklon Kila said that he is proud of the achievements of his two lecturers as best speakers of the conference. He mentioned that the achievement has proven that Unkriswina Sumba, as the only university in Sumba, is competitive with other higher educational institutions in Indonesia and abroad.

“The achievement has proven that Unkriswina Sumba is a competent university. Today’s achievement is not the first. Our lecturers and students have obtained other prestigious awards from other events too”, he said.

Maklon expects that lecturers and students of Unkriswina Sumba will stay motivated to enhance their academic knowledge through researches and community development programs. Further, Maklon hopes that as the ambassador of Unkriswina Sumba, lecturers and students shall strive to give their best performance at future events.

“Unkriswina Sumba will continuously encourage the students and lecturers so they will be motivated to triumph in future events”, he said. [ Translator : Itha Priyastiti ]