Indonesian Literature Department of Unhas Partners with Denassa Botanical Garden: Internship and Language Research in Nature

GOWA – The Department of Indonesian Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Hasanuddin University (Unhas), has established a collaboration with the Founder of Denassa Botanical Garden, Darmawan Denassa. This agreement marks a partnership for student internship placements as well as linguistic research at the Denassa Botanical Garden.

Dean of FIB Unhas, Prof. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He emphasized that alumni play a crucial role in strengthening academic collaboration while supporting the development of the department.

Head of the Indonesian Literature Department, Muslimat, affirmed that this collaboration aligns with the (K-23) curriculum, which requires students to undertake internships. “Denassa Garden also holds great potential for linguistic research, as each plant has a name that can be traced linguistically and etymologically,” she explained.

During discussions with alumni, recommendations emerged for the Indonesian Literature Student Association (IMSI) to be more active as a platform for student creativity. It was also proposed to hold academic dialogues to formulate curricula involving both lecturers and students.

The meeting also appointed Saharuddin Ridwan as the Chair of the Formateur of the Indonesian Literature Alumni Association, FIB Unhas, continuing the leadership previously held by M. Nawir. The Formateur will be responsible for drafting work programs and structuring the alumni organization moving forward.

This collaboration took place during a gathering of alumni and the academic community of Indonesian Literature, FIB Unhas, at Denassa Garden, Bontonompo District, Gowa Regency, on Saturday (January 17, 2026). The cross-generational meeting served as a space for literacy collaboration as well as an opportunity to strengthen academic networks.

The event was attended by Dean of FIB Unhas Prof. Andi Muhammad Akhmar; Head of the Indonesian Literature Department, Muslimat; Department Secretary, Indarwati; and several professors, including Prof. Nurhayati, Prof. A.B. Takko, Prof. Munira Hasjim, and Prof. Kaharuddin. Also present were Chair of the Indonesian Literature Alumni Association M. Nawir, former IMSI Chair and former Head of the Gowa Election Commission Muhtar Muis, Director of Perusda Maros Saharuddin Ridwan, IMSI Chair Zaki, along with other lecturers and alumni.