Field Training is the culmination of the CAM XXVI Basic Training and Education series that has been conducted over the past few weeks. The purpose of this Field Training activity is to assess CAM XXVI based on the material they have received during the Basic Training and to officially induct the CAM (Prospective Young Members) as AM (Young Members). This event took place over two days and one night, from November 4th to 5th, 2023, at Mount Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano, Nglanggeran Village, Patuk District, Gunung Kidul Regency, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The activity was attended by 6 CAM XXVI participants, 6 AMs, and 7 senior members as the organizing committee, 5 Matalabiogama alumni as honorary members, and 1 lecturer serving as the Matalabiogama mentor.
The XXVI Field Training activity began with the arrival of CAM and the committee at 10:00 AM local time at Mount Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. After a brief rest, the opening ceremony of the XXVI Field Training commenced, followed by a final assignment presentation given to CAM XXVI regarding activity planning, accompanied by a Q&A session. Subsequently, there was a rearrangement of bags to be carried during the nature exploration. In this exploration, CAM XXVI divided into two groups, embarked on a trek toward the summit of the ancient volcano, reaching 700 meters above sea level with four designated stopping points. During this activity, CAM members were tested on their understanding of caving equipment, case studies, first aid for accidents, and setting up a bivouac. The activities of the first day concluded with a group documentation at the peak of Mount Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano and the pitching of tents at the campsite.
On Sunday, November 5th, 2023, at 03:15 AM, CAM XXVI were awakened to participate in the induction ceremony as Young Members of Matalabiogama XXVI. On that day, six members were officially inducted: Muhammad Fazli Makatita, Naomi Zola Sebayang, Golda Theresia Simarmata, Husna Nadia, Geraldine Yara Amritarashmi, and Dharma Kiart Wijaya. Additionally, five members, Sulthon Fatih, Adrian Pradipto Harmawan, Rizal Alfarizan Ramadhan, Layla Oktavia, and Ikhlasul Amal, were conditionally inducted pending the fulfillment of specific requirements within the shortest possible time. The induction of young members involved a ceremonial sprinkling of flower water as a symbol of purification and the commencement of a new phase within Matalabiogama dynamics, followed by the wearing of scarves around their necks as a symbol of membership as Young Members of Matalabiogama Diklat XXVI.
Following the induction, there was a sharing session and breakfast with attending alumni. The XXVI Field Training activities concluded with a cleanup of the camping area and a documentation session. Subsequently, all participants and committee members of the Field Training returned to the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University. Vivat et Floreat!