North Gorontalo – Trigona bees have long existed in the Sumalata Transmigration Area but were…

North Gorontalo – Trigona bees have long existed in the Sumalata Transmigration Area but were considered pests. Their nests on roofs and walls were often burned or removed, and some locals believed these small bees could cause deafness. However, trigona bees do not sting, and their honey is among the most expensive, sold at IDR 85,000 per 100 milliliters or IDR 600,000 to 650,000 per liter. To change this perception, Universitas Airlangga's Patriot Expedition Team 1 (TEP) conducted trigona beekeeping training from August 18 to 20, 2026. Thirty participants joined, including 26 residents from six settlement units and four members of Infantry Battalion 824, guided by trigona practitioner Sudarsono.