Activities

Rohan Fisher accompanied two Northern Territory Government land resources specialists, Jason Hill and Donna Lewis, to Soe in West Timor. Joined by local PSLP participants Efraim Muga from Central Flores, Arto Umbu from East Sumba, John Asbano from Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS) and Vincent Tarus soil scientist from Nusa Cendana University in Kupang.

Over two days soil and vegetation survey techniques where work-shopped at a variety of locations as well as data storage and analysis techniques. An evening forum was conducted where NT government staff presented examples of their operational projects and research work and Indonesian participants gave presentations on their local work plans and development issues.

A variety of field survey resources where exchanged and follow up has continued between the NT and local Indonesian government departments. This trip proved to be highly successful in introducing Jason and Donna to the similarities and differences of the landscape of West Timor to the top end and introducing to them different development challenges posed by this region.

Two of the Indonesian participants will be traveling to Darwin in November for further training and work placements with Donna and Jason.