Indonesia is a country rich in natural resources, with different regions across the archipelago having their own abundant unique resources. North Kalimantan, for instance, is rich in coal, petroleum, and renewable energy, providing opportunities for the local community to harness these resources. Proper management of these natural resources can have a significant benefit for the residents in the said region, provided they are well informed about how to manage these resources.

On Friday, May 17, 2024, the Master’s Program in Development Economics (MESP), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), invited Retno Dwi Arini, S.E., M.E., founder of Binari Group and Head of the MSME Division at the Department of Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Trade in Tarakan City, as a guest speaker. In the public lecture, the speaker, fondly known as Ibu Arin, discussed natural resource management in the border region of Tarakan City, North Kalimantan.

Binari Group initially started as Griya Belajar Binari, founded by Ibu Arin to assist parents struggling to support their children’s education. Over time, Griya Binari expanded into the formal education sector. The school aims to provide a unique and character-building learning experience for children. The students attending the public lecture showed high enthusiasm for discussing the natural resources in North Kalimantan.

This interactive discussion was expected to provide MESP FEB UNS students with additional insights into natural resource management on the island of Borneo.