*Brief Notes on the Journey of the UNTAN FMIPA Team in TBBE 2010

Effort and good intentions will produce something good and useful too. That is what the Team from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Tanjungpura University (UNTAN) has proven during their journey to take part in the Trans Borneo Biodiesel Expedition 2010 (TBBE 2010) in May 2010. This activity was organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). FMIPA UNTAN entrusted a team of students from the Chemistry Department as its representatives in this activity.

The FMIPA UNTAN Team's preparation was relatively short with a busy academic and non-academic schedule. However, this is not an obstacle when there is the same intention and vision to make FMIPA UNTAN a success and bring good name to 2 neighboring countries, namely: Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. Preparations to welcome the arrival of the UTM team were carried out independently, starting from preparing accommodation, event preparation, filling the event, decorations, to documentation. This was done with full responsibility and extraordinary solidarity from the FMIPA UNTAN Team accompanied by several lecturers and fully supported by Prof. Dr. Thamrin Usman, DEA as Dean at that time.

Science, Arts and Social Affairs are important aspects of TBBE 2010. This can be seen from the content of the event which aims to provide soft skills training for participants. Therefore, the FMIPA UNTAN team prepared it by having knowledge about Biodiesel, performing in the Culture Event (Traditional Dance and Medley of Indonesian Regional Songs), homestaying at the Dayak-Bintulu-Malaysia Long House, and having the opportunity to take part in social and humanitarian actions in Sibu, Malaysia. The main agenda at TBBE 2010 is a convoy of vehicles (Buses and Cars) fueled by Biodiesel as a form of socialization on the use of Biodiesel as a renewable alternative energy for the future. The distance covered is 5000 km across three countries, namely: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. The journey starts from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor Bahru and ends in Kudat, Sabah.

Unforgettable experiences and various lessons that can be learned from neighboring countries also need to be shared in this note. The strength of team work management, discipline, never complaining, and responsibility for one's duties are some of the lessons that can be taken from TBBE 2010 activities. Hopefully this activity can continue to run continuously so that the regeneration of human resources in developing students' soft skills can be carried out well.

This activity is also inseparable from the moral and material support of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UNTAN, which has provided support and ease in accessing business funds. Sponsors include Perum DAMRI, PT. Satria Multi Sukses, Pontianak Post, and PDAM Tirta Khatulistiwa. We do not forget to thank the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and the Indonesian Consul General in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and all parties for their support and kind welcome.

*UNTAN FMIPA Team at TBBE 2010: Ismail Astar, Ridho Brilliantoro, Sy. Indra Septiansyah, Yudiansyah, Endra Tirtana, Verry Andre Fabiani, Henri Martua Tampubolon, Ferdinand Hidayat, Rio, Mellisa Nurul Safitri, Nurhadini, Risya Sasri, Lang-Lang, Ellen Kusnadi, Nirma Yuliana, Yusnita Rahmiati.

*Assistant Lecturers: Rudyansyah, Ph.D, Nelly Wahyuni, S.Si, M.Si, Winda Rahmalia, S.Si, M.Si