Students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at the University of Indonesia (UI) have once again achieved impressive national success. Two students from the Geology Study Program, FMIPA UI, won first and second place in the PERHIMAGI Open M (Male) category at the 2025 National GEOI Orienteering event.
The event, held by the Geological Engineering Student Association "GEOI" Pakuan University, took place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, located at the Sempur Housing Complex, Central Bogor District, Bogor City.
The two students are members of the UI “Kaldera” Geology Student Association, namely Andi Muhammad Husein Ramadhan Estetiono (Geology 2022) as 1st Place, and Muhammad Zaedani (Geology 2023) as 2nd Place.
This orienteering competition not only tests physical endurance but also a geologist's core field skills, such as reading contours, navigating terrain without the aid of modern technology, and making quick decisions based on a map and compass. Orienteering is an innovative form of field education that integrates sports, geoscience skills, and observation and orientation skills in real-world settings.
In this competition, participants are challenged to complete a course by finding a number of hidden checkpoints using a Sportident Card as a punching tool and timekeeper. The winner is determined based on the fastest speed in completing the course, while upholding the principles of fair play, including not collaborating, not following other participants, and not communicating with navigation during the race.
Andi revealed to the UI FMIPA Public Relations team that his victory was the result of a combination of regular physical training, deepening his knowledge of land navigation through reviewing lecture material, and smart strategies during the competition.
"The terrain is quite challenging, consisting of asphalt, paving blocks, concrete, and soil in a densely populated residential area of approximately 3x4 km with a 2-meter contour and a total track of 3.6 km," explained Andi.
One of his mainstay strategies is to use the position of the sun as a guide to complete the track more quickly.
"Because using a compass while running is quite difficult, I used the position of the sun as navigation to complete the course faster than the other participants," he added.
The Head of the Geology Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), Reza Syahputra, Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for the achievement. "This achievement is not only about winning, but also reflects the commitment and readiness of the Geology students of FMIPA UI in facing the challenges of the field, like professional geologists. Through orienteering, they hone their sensitivity to landforms, map reading skills, and quick decision-making in the field," he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., echoed this sentiment. "This impressive achievement demonstrates that the Geology students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, excel not only academically but also in applying their knowledge in real-world settings," he said.
"Hopefully, this achievement will motivate the entire FMIPA UI academic community to continue to develop, be active in exploratory activities, and make real contributions to the development of earth sciences in Indonesia." This success is clear evidence that a collaborative spirit, resilience, and love for earth sciences can produce achievements that not only make the institution proud but also inspire the young generation of Indonesian geoscientists.
