An team of Mapala of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) for Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition came back to UMY on Tuesday (4/4). Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Islamic Studies, Hilman Latief, S.Ag.,MA.Ph.D. warmly welcomed their arrival at lobby of AR. Fachruddin A.

The team of Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition consisted of seven climbers who are five athletes, one journalist, and one manager. The athletes were Ikhsanul Hakim, Aji Wahyudi, Muhammad Fadly, Muh Badruddin, and Naufal Haikm W, while the manager was Vebri Arianto and Desi Intan Sari was as the journalist. All of the climbers thanked to God for their success in defeating the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

In his speech, Hilman congratulated the team’s arrival because they could go back at UMY safely. “I have commenced to be a vice rector since three days ago, and this is my first activity in student affairs. Alhamdulilah, I am very pleased as all the members can come back safely. We have to thank to our God,” expressed Hilman.

Hilman also appreciated the team’s achievement which is in line with UMY’s motto, Muda Mendunia (Young and Global). “This is incredible achievement, and we have to be proud. This achievement proves that all UMY’s academicians can bring UMY’s motto “Muda Mendunia” into reality. Mapala of UMY has showed it,” he said.

Hilman also wished that activities of nature lovers can give benefit to society. “Climbing mountain is an activity showing a characteristic of nature lovers. I also hope activities of nature lover can give benefit to the society. May this achievement be charity for all of us,” he hoped.

Moreover, chief of Mapala of UMY Vian Jamaludin also expressed his gratefulness. “Alhamdulilah, all the members can come back safely. Thanks for all members of Mapala UMY, and this achivement would not be obtained without supports and cooperation from many parties,” stated Jamal.

Vian Jamaludin also reported some activities successfully done by the expedition team in Kilimanjaro. “The expedition team had been successful to do a mission to fly Indonesian flag, UMY’s flag, and Mapala UMY’s flag. We also successfully showed a puppet performance on the Peak of Kilimanjaro Mountain,” he mentioned.

Indeed, Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition is the third expedition held by Mapala of UMY to beat seven summits over the world. Previously, Mapala UMY had defeated Mt. Cartenz summit in 1999 and Mt. Elbrus summit in 2014. By setting the same theme as previous expedition “Muda Mendunia dari Jogja untuk Indonesia”, Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition brought cultural mission and also conducted research on Changga tribe who lives on Mt. Kilimanjaro slope.