The Patriot Expedition Team from Airlangga University trained residents of Sumalata…

The Patriot Expedition Team from Airlangga University trained residents of Sumalata Transmigration Area in trigona bee cultivation from August 18 to 20, 2026. Trigona bees, often mistaken as pests and destroyed by locals due to beliefs they cause deafness, actually produce high-value honey sold up to IDR 650,000 per liter. The training, led by practitioner Sudarsono, involved 30 participants including 26 residents from six settlement units and four members of Infantry Battalion 824.

Johny Alfian Khusyairi, head of the team, emphasized changing local perceptions to view trigona bees as valuable honey producers rather than pests. The goal is to improve community welfare while preserving the environment.