The launch of the Patriot Expedition program, organized by Universitas Indonesia (UI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans), began with the arrival of children from Morotai Island, North Maluku, at the UI Depok Campus. They were warmly welcomed by the Expedition 18 Team and the UI Directorate of Community Engagement and Social Innovation (DPIS).

More than just a visit, their arrival sparked great hopes that one day they could return to UI as students, earn their degrees, and bring positive change to the future of their home region.

Dr. Rachma Fitriati, a lecturer at FIA UI and leader of the Morotai Patriot Expedition 18 Team, explained that the program aims to plant seeds of inspiration in transmigration areas.

“The presence of Morotai’s children at UI is part of a long-term effort to build regions through education and cross-sector collaboration,” she said.

The Regent of Morotai Island, Drs. Rusli Sibuah, representing the local government, expressed full support for the expedition program initiated by UI and the Ministry of Transmigration.

“We hope there will be children from Morotai who can study at UI and eventually return to develop their region. This is our greatest hope,” he stated.

During their visit, the children engaged in educational activities, including tours of the Science Techno Park building and the UI Library. They also had the opportunity to visit various faculties, including the Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA).

The visit continued with a luncheon hosted by FIA UI Dean Prof. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, who expressed her aspiration for the program to expand collaborative opportunities and deliver lasting positive contributions to Morotai.

“I want this team not only to provide temporary solutions but to open pathways for long-term change,” she concluded.