This is exemplified by the achievements of two of its alumni, Gerry Utama and Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan, who successfully explored Antarctica for international research missions.

UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia praised the two researchers’ accomplishments during a meeting on Monday (Feb. 2). 

She believes that the work of Dr. Nugroho and Gerry, as they are commonly called, will motivate other scientists in Indonesia. 

Professor Emilia stated that their success proves that Indonesia, particularly UGM, possesses human resources that are on par with those of other developed nations. She promised to encourage UGM’s involvement in further research and policies related to Antarctica. 

“Research is always dynamic. I think there will be a need for a laboratory or an Antarctic Study Center that we can develop because there’s great potential in this field. If we can contribute positively to the nation and the world, UGM will support it,” said Professor Emilia.

Regarding the Antarctic Treaty System, which 58 countries have signed, Professor Emilia acknowledged that much coordination is still required with the Indonesian government officials. 

The Antarctic Treaty is an important instrument for a country to actively participate in extensive exploration of Antarctica. 

Although Indonesia has yet to declare its readiness to sign the Antarctic Treaty, Professor Emilia stated that UGM is always prepared to support the process. 

“We need to speak directly with the government, and we will present the good points, what UGM has already done, and what needs to be prepared,” explained the rector.

Professor Emilia highlighted that UGM’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty is part of the university’s effort to continuously contribute to global research that directly impacts environmental sustainability and climate change. 

By supporting the participation of Indonesian students and researchers in international scientific expeditions, UGM plays a crucial role in strengthening Indonesia’s position in managing the Antarctic region. 

“We want to raise awareness about the importance of Antarctica as an area that requires serious attention from the entire international community,” she concluded.

Gerry, an alumnus of UGM’s Faculty of Geography, became the first Indonesian and ASEAN citizen to participate in the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) from February to July 2024 while pursuing his Master’s in Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. 

During the expedition, Gerry researched geomorphology and paleogeography to reconstruct a new atlas of Russia’s King George Island. Gerry’s research is particularly significant in the context of global climate change, which is currently a major concern worldwide. 

“Aside from wood fossils, I also mapped moss with varying colors. This serves as an important indicator in understanding the climate dynamics in Antarctica and the world,” he emphasized.

Gerry (31), who became the youngest researcher in Indonesia’s mission to Antarctica, recounted that he and his team discovered a massive iceberg three days after the ship landed.

If reconstructed, the release of such a large iceberg from the ice sheet also indicates faster ice melt, which could disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems and pose greater threats to coastal habitats. 

“Indonesia should be more aware of this phenomenon since our country is largely composed of seas. Therefore, signing the Antarctic Treaty should be a priority,” he added.

Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan (43), a lecturer from the Department of Geological Engineering at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), participated in the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) from 2016 to 2017. 

During the expedition, he conducted research on the evolution of the Antarctic continent through the petrology study of methanol rocks, which are aged between 2.5 billion and 500 million years.

Dr. Nugroho successfully published seven international journals from his Antarctic mission, contributing to the global development of geological studies. 

Dr. Nugroho also brought home rock samples with a honeycomb structure, which he found in Antarctica, and has donated them to the UGM Biology Museum and the Bandung Geological Museum.

The first Indonesian geologist to research the Antarctic continent explained that Antarctica is a terra incognita, or land largely unknown to humans, so the research conducted there will undoubtedly provide important insights, especially in earth sciences. 

Echoing Gerry, Dr. Nugroho hopes the Indonesian government will pay more attention to natural phenomena occurring in Antarctica. 

“We must remember that Indonesia and Antarctica are not separate; we share the same summit ground. So, I believe it’s quite important for Indonesia to get involved in strategic issues like geopolitics and climate change to prepare for potential future scenarios,” he emphasized.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Ready to Encourage Indonesia’s Participation in Antarctic Treaty pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This accreditation highlights the programs’ alignment with international standards.

The six accredited programs include Undergraduate Programs in Environmental Geography, Cartography and Remote Sensing, and Regional Development. 

These programs received a seven-year accreditation period from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2031. 

Three graduate programs, including the Master’s Programs in Geography and Remote Sensing and the Doctoral Program in Geography, also received ASIIN international accreditation. 

These graduate programs were awarded a six-year accreditation period, effective from Dec. 5, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2030.

This ASIIN accreditation further strengthens the Faculty of Geography’s role nationally and internationally in education, research, and community service. 

The importance of international accreditation for academic programs aligns with the spirit of global and regional education, which has developed an education system based on learning outcomes.

The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Geography, Danang Sri Hadmoko, stated that obtaining this international accreditation reflects a public responsibility to realize professional, efficient, high-quality, transparent, and accountable academic and supporting components management at the faculty. 

He noted that this accreditation demonstrates that the academic programs at the Faculty of Geography are of excellent quality and comparable to similar programs worldwide. 

Additionally, this accreditation signifies that internationalization has become a culture and has been internalized by all components within the Faculty of Geography. 

“This accreditation achievement also reflects a strong synergy among the components, including faculty members, non-teaching staff, students at all levels, strategic partners, and alumni. We appreciate and extend our gratitude to everyone who has worked very well together to achieve this international accreditation,” said the dean on Saturday (Jan. 25).

The Vice Dean for Education, Teaching, and Student Affairs, Professor Muhammad Kamal, stated that the Faculty of Geography views this accreditation achievement as a form of commitment to continuously enhancing its international reputation and the quality of its programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

“The success of obtaining ASIIN accreditation proves that the outputs of our graduates, curriculum, teaching methods, processes, and resources at FGE align with international standards,” he said.

Despite having received international accreditation for all its programs, Professor Kamal emphasized that the Faculty of Geography remains committed to continuous improvement and delivering its best efforts, particularly in the academic field. 

He highlighted that this accreditation is crucial for students, supporting their participation in various international exposure activities.

The Head of the Faculty of Geography’s Quality Assurance Unit, Dr. M. Widyastuti, stated that the long accreditation period encourages academic programs to continually improve in a sustainable manner (continuous improvement) in academic quality assurance. 

She added that this international accreditation achievement further enhances the academic reputation of the Faculty of Geography and Universitas Gadjah Mada.

One of the doctoral candidates in the Doctoral Program in Geography, Listumbinang Halengkara, expressed appreciation for this achievement and pride as a student. 

He noted that this accreditation is crucial for students, as ASIIN accreditation is a benchmark for the quality of academic programs at the global level. 

“This means that when I graduate, the knowledge and degree I have obtained will be globally recognized and help enhance my recognition as an academic. I hope that the academic programs at this faculty will maintain high-quality standards in every learning process and keep innovating in educating the nation’s children,” he said.

Author: Tiefany

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Faculty of Geography Earns Full ASIIN Accreditation for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The conference, themed “Rethinking Sustainable Urban Development and Urban Futures in the Digital Age,” was supported by the Asian Urban Research Association (AURA) and UGM’s Faculty of Geography and successfully gathered 59 abstracts.

Thirty-one presenters and six participants from nine countries attended the conference, including Indonesia, the United States, Germany, Romania, France, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan. 

The event featured many international experts as keynote speakers, including Professor George Pomeroy, Executive Director of AURA and professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University, and Professor Rini Rachmawati, Director of CESASS UGM and professor of urban geography at UGM. 

Other speakers included Professor Frauke Kraas, Coordinator of the Forum for Urban Future in Southeast Asia and professor of urban development at the University of Cologne, and Professor Emeritus Debnath Mookherjee from Western Washington University, who delivered his presentation via video.

The conference also invited two speakers from Romania and France: Professor Liliana Dumitrache, a professor of human and economic geography at the University of Bucharest, and Professor Yves Boquet, a professor of transportation geography at the University of Bourgogne, France.

Professor Rini Rachmawati, Director of CESASS UGM, stated that the conference presenters and participants discussed strategic issues related to sustainable urban development through interactive scientific sessions. 

She described the discussions as important for strengthening academic exchange and international collaboration among researchers and practitioners. 

In addition to in-class discussions, conference participants were also invited to a field visit in Bali to observe sustainable urban development practices firsthand. 

“We all hope this experience enriches the conference outcomes by linking theoretical discussions with real-world implementation,” said Professor Rachmawati.

As the host, Professor Rachmawati expressed that CESASS UGM is committed to strengthening cross-country collaboration and addressing the challenges of sustainable urban and social development in the digital age. 

She emphasized that the conference demonstrated the critical role of academics in building inclusive and resilient urban futures. 

“We also hope that this event fosters closer ties across Southeast Asia and beyond,” she explained.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel UGM Holds International Conference on Sustainable Urban Development pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In the field of geography and cartography, UGM’s Faculty of Geography secured first place, followed by IPB and UI in second and third place, respectively. 

ITB, Undip, Universitas Brawijaya, ITS, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Universitas Sebelas Maret took 4th to 10th place.

Responding to this achievement, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of UGM’s Faculty of Geography, expressed his gratitude, joy, and pride. 

According to him, this accomplishment reflects the faculty’s continuous improvement. However, this achievement is a collective effort from all colleagues, including lecturers, staff, students, alumni, and partners. 

“We are truly grateful to be an institution that has become a reference at the national level,” he stated on Thursday (Jan. 23).

Dr. Hadmoko also mentioned that the Faculty of Geography continually encourages its lecturers to engage in research collaborations to increase both the productivity and quality of research. He emphasized the importance of building a conducive research environment to achieve this goal.

He further added that this achievement is not considered the final goal but rather a bonus from the long process of the faculty’s tri-dharma (three pillars of higher education) to benefit society, including the central and regional governments, industries, and international partners.

The Faculty of Geography’s current research focuses on global issues with significant impacts, particularly on sustainable planet topics like climate, disasters, land degradation, migration, demographic shifts, resource management, smart cities, regional development, and the emerging trend of artificial intelligence (AI).

Dr. Hadmoko explained that AI supports the faculty’s research through advanced remote sensing technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The research is then divided into several research groups according to the lecturers’ interests, and the Faculty of Geography also incorporates the research into its teaching materials by including numerous use cases related to the latest issues. 

Dr. Hadmoko explained that this is done to improve the relevance of teaching materials to the current societal conditions. According to him, the curriculum must be dynamic and adjusted to societal needs.

“Teaching materials will always be valid and up to date when we include many use cases with current issues. So, the concepts developed in the classroom are validated with research data conducted by the lecturers,” he explained.

With this achievement, Dr. Hadmoko is determined to further improve the quality of the Faculty of Geography by implementing an international research network (IRN) to deepen relations with relevant partners both nationally and internationally. 

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of improving existing research and publications. According to him, a high-level institution’s reputation is determined by its research’s impact. 

“We continue to improve the quality of research, so it has a greater impact on society and industry,” he said.

Moreover, Dr. Hadmoko mentioned that this achievement is also a result of the contribution of alumni who remain connected with the Faculty of Geography. 

He views this as a significant strength. Through the alumni network, the faculty collaborates with their workplaces, opening up opportunities for students to intern there.

The Faculty of Geography also supports and encourages its alumni to pursue further studies, both domestically and abroad, by providing recommendations for scholarship applications from various sources.

He also hopes the public will provide input to help the Faculty of Geography grow and improve. He aspires for the faculty to play a greater role in solving societal problems in accordance with its competencies. 

“We want to build the widest possible collaborations with our external partners,” he stated.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM’s Faculty of Geography Ranks 1st in Indonesia for Consistent Research on Sustainable Planet pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Gerry, as he is commonly called, arrived in Antarctica as part of the Russian Antarctica Expedition (RAE) mission, which took place from February to July 2024. 

At the time, Gerry was pursuing a Master’s program in Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. 

“From the beginning of my studies, I was already offered to join the program, but we had to know what we would be researching,” said Gerry Wednesday (Jan. 22).

He chose to specialize in geomorphology and was an expert in radar interpretation. His participation in the Antarctica expedition made Gerry the first Indonesian and ASEAN national to join the RAE, which has been running for 69 editions. 

He departed with the RAE team aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Tyroshnikov. The ship sailed for three weeks, stopping briefly in Cape Town, South Africa, before continuing to Antarctica.

Gerry and the RAE team were required to use helicopters for mobilization, with the research team returning to the ship daily. He was stationed at Mirny Station, one of the oldest monitoring stations in Antarctica.

Gerry’s research involved reconstructing a new atlas of King George Island for the Russian government. 

He simplified existing variables into geomorphological mapping that could be applied with specific characteristics. In addition, Gerry and his team discovered a 130-million-year-old wooden fossil. 

“This can prove that Antarctica was once covered in greenery, just like other parts of the Earth,” said the Geography and Environmental Science alumnus.

The unpredictable conditions in Antarctica required careful work planning. According to Gerry, even shower schedules had to be regulated, and time was reset daily, meaning the day’s hours could shift forward or backward. 

Gerry added that the direction of the Qibla also changed daily. Strong winds reaching up to 300 km/h further aggravated these conditions, often forcing Gerry and his team to spend nights at the station.

Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan, a lecturer in the Department of Geological Engineering at UGM, also faced challenges during his exploration of Antarctica from November 2016 to March 2017. 

Dr. Nugroho, as we refer to him, often experienced persistent itching and had to take daily medication to prevent allergic reactions. The situation worsened due to the absence of heating in the tents, which forced him to wear three layers of clothing at all times.

“We couldn’t even take a shower,” Dr. Nugroho joked.

Even the feces produced had to be brought back, as the extreme temperatures prevented decomposer bacteria from surviving. The feces were later brought back to the ship and incinerated.

Dr. Nugroho never imagined he would set foot on the southernmost continent on Earth. His journey began in 2010 when he pursued his PhD in Japan. 

Japan, a country that regularly conducts expeditions and invites other Asian researchers to Antarctica through the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE), presented this opportunity. 

He applied to the program in 2011, but it was canceled after the March 2011 tsunami struck Japan. 

“I had already applied, but the program was closed, and the funds were redirected for post-tsunami recovery,” said Dr. Nugroho.

He was only contacted again in 2015, after completing his doctoral program, and promptly underwent a selection process involving an interview and health check. He then joined five Japanese researchers and two others from Mongolia and Thailand.

Being a researcher in Antarctica meant preparing for all possible scenarios. For a month, he underwent intensive training on using equipment in the snow, dressing appropriately, surviving in emergencies, setting up tents, cooking, and managing sanitation.

Antarctica’s conditions are vastly different from those found anywhere else in the world. He remembered Antarctica as not feeling like part of Earth due to its pristine whiteness stretching as far as the eye can see.

“I joined an eight-member geology team. At that time, Antarctica was in summer, so the sun shone 24 hours a day, with nighttime temperatures of around -5 degrees and daytime temperatures of -2 degrees,” he recalled.

The silence added to the surreal atmosphere. Dr. Nugroho remembered hearing only his team’s voices and the sounds of melting ice due to climate change, occasionally encountering penguins and Weddell seals.

The entire JARE 58 team comprised 80 members, 35 of whom were researchers. The research was divided into ten topics: meteorology, atmospheric science, terrestrial biology, oceanography, geophysics, geodesy, and geology. The study lasted four months, from Nov. 27, 2016, to Mar. 22, 2017. 

However, according to Dr. Nugroho, effective research could only take place for 30 days due to the extreme weather conditions. Frequent windstorms forced the research team to wait for better conditions.

Dr. Nugroho explained that the geology team’s daily routine involved collecting metamorphic rock samples from various research locations. They explored eight geological survey points: Akebono, Akarui, Tenmodai, Skallevikhalsen, Rundvageshtta, Langdove, West Ogul, and Mt. Riiser Larsen. 

“We sought to uncover metamorphic rocks, the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back 3.8 billion years, found in Antarctica. We aimed to reconstruct and detail previously existing data on Antarctica’s metamorphic rocks, including their composition, age, and the processes that formed them,” he explained.

During the expedition, he encountered only two types of rocks at the research locations: metamorphic and granitoid rocks, or a combination of both, known as migmatite. Rocks with a honeycomb structure, formed by wind erosion in the dry climate, were also commonly found. 

Dr. Nugroho noted that the rocks he found were similar to those in Sri Lanka. According to him, Antarctica and Sri Lanka once comprised the same landmass.

Gerry and Dr. Nugroho’s participation in exploring Antarctica as UGM alumni marks their names in history, as only four Indonesians have ever set foot there. 

This notable achievement contributes to UGM’s vision of becoming a global university. Both expressed hope that their efforts would not end with them. 

“I hope other UGM friends can continue to Antarctica,” Gerry said.

He also hoped that the Indonesian government would take an interest in Antarctica, which is located in the same ocean as Indonesia. He mentioned that everyone needs to know that when Antarctica faces challenges, the whole world, including Indonesia, will be indirectly affected. 

Therefore, Indonesia should establish a dedicated Antarctic research institution to be present and directly study Antarctica.

Echoing Gerry’s sentiments, Dr. Nugroho urged UGM and Indonesia to respond quickly to strategic issues like geopolitics and climate change, which are closely linked to Antarctica’s current existence. 

“Antarctica is like a time machine that stores the Earth’s past and could provide information to address future challenges, so we need to be prepared,” Dr. Nugroho concluded.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos: Gerry & Nugroho

Artikel UGM Alumni Gerry & Nugroho Advance Research Through Antarctica Exploration pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The 2025 OLGENAS promotes Low Carbon Emissions, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13, which focuses on climate change and global warming.

This year, OLGENAS adopts the theme “Net Zero Imperative: Regional Complex Contingency Towards Climate Resiliency,” a theme highly relevant to current global challenges. 

Furthermore, the Dean of Geography UGM, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, emphasized in his opening speech that the event’s theme is highly relevant, considering the pressing issue of climate change, which has gained global attention.

Entering its 20th year, OLGENAS also involves students from various schools in Indonesia and abroad. A total of 252 teams from Indonesia and international participants are eager to compete. 

This year, 136 teams from junior high schools and 116 from senior high schools are participating, including four international teams, three from Russia and one from Malaysia.

The enthusiasm and participation of the contestants were acknowledged by the dean, who praised the students for applying their knowledge through this prestigious geography competition. 

“You are the chosen ones whose hearts and minds are driven to think about the future of the Earth. I deeply appreciate all of you. As young as you are, you are already aware of and have a long-term vision for a low-carbon future,” he remarked.

Sleman Regent Kustini Sri Purnomo also expressed her appreciation for the international competition. According to the regent, OLGENAS aligns with Yogyakarta’s vision of being an environmentally sustainable education city. 

“This event ignites the spirit of our children to compete healthily and contributes to realizing the 2045 golden generation. The olympiad will not only produce winners but also serve as a laboratory of ideas that can be developed in the future,” she stated.

As scheduled, the OLGENAS for junior high school participants runs from Jan. 20 to 21, while senior high school (SMA) participants will compete from Jan. 22 to 24. 

The competition consists of three activities for junior high school contestants: written tests, outdoor learning, and multimedia tests. 

Meanwhile, senior high school participants will participate in the olympiad exam and collaborative work, including written, multimedia, laboratory, and outdoor learning.

The collaborative work includes the Geographical Creative Collaboration (GCC) and an interactive presentation of the GCC results. In addition to the student competition, OLGENAS 2025 also organizes a series of activities for accompanying teachers. 

Among them are Geoforum, an interactive discussion forum, and a Laboratory Tour introducing various facilities at Geography UGM for junior high school teachers. 

Geotalk 2025, a talk show themed “Designing Sustainable Cities: Land Use Strategies for Climate Resilience,” will feature national and international speakers. 

Meanwhile, senior high school teachers can participate in Geonovation, a workshop, and competition, as well as OFCOURSE (OLGENAS Field Course), an educational field trip focused on sustainable production in support of SDGs 2030.

With a series of activities centered on education and environmental sustainability, OLGENAS 2025 is expected to be a competitive event and contribute globally to the realization of a low-carbon and sustainable world.

Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel UGM Hosts International Geography Olympiad Featuring Teams from Russia and Malaysia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In early November, the initial eruption of Mount Lewotobi produced an ash column as high as 12 km.

A team of volcanology researchers from the Geological Engineering study program, Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), and the Environmental Geography Department, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Geography UGM), emphasized that this volcanic eruption disaster highlights the importance of strengthening disaster mitigation systems based on science, technology, and more inclusive public education.

UGM’s Professor of Volcanology Agung Harijoko explained that the height of this eruption’s column is unprecedented. 

According to him, Mount Lewotobi’s eruption typically falls under the Strombolian type, with an eruption column of up to 2 km, but this time, it reached nearly five times that. 

“This indicates a new dynamic in its volcanic activity,” said Professor Harijoko on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

In addition to the direct threat from the eruption, Professor Harijoko mentioned that the indirect impact of volcanic ash distribution is a serious problem. 

The ash damages crops, threatens public health, and disrupts economic activities, including temporarily suspending flights in the area. 

“This situation presents a major challenge, particularly in ensuring public safety and the continuity of economic activities around the affected area,” he added.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi has significantly impacted the lives of people in the affected region. 

Residents within the safe radius have been evacuated, but they still face other threats, such as damaged homes due to the heavy accumulation of volcanic ash, health risks from fine ash particles, and disrupted food supplies due to transportation issues. 

“The government needs to pay attention to the economic impacts, including losses in the agricultural sector and local businesses. Response efforts must include post-disaster recovery, such as economic assistance for farmers and small business owners affected,” he said.

Regarding disaster mitigation actions, he emphasized the importance of a more comprehensive volcanic monitoring system to provide accurate early warnings of eruptions. 

He noted that Mount Merapi’s monitoring system is highly developed in Yogyakarta. It utilizes seismometers to detect volcanic earthquakes, geochemistry to monitor volcanic gases, and geological analysis to understand magma composition. 

“This kind of system should ideally be applied in other volcano-prone regions,” he stated.

Assistant Professor Dr. Indranova Suhendro added that although monitoring technology has advanced, the main challenge in mitigation efforts is communicating this information to the public. 

Complex scientific data is often difficult for the general public to understand, creating a gap in the implementation of mitigation measures at the local level. 

“Today, there needs to be collaboration to create simple, informative content, such as short videos or interactive infographics, so that mitigation messages reach the wider community,” he explained.

In addition, a community-based approach is also considered essential. 

He recommended that the government and related agencies involve local communities in disaster mitigation training. 

He also emphasized the importance of training communities living near mountains to read vulnerability maps, recognize early signs of volcanic activity, and follow safe evacuation procedures. 

Through this education, the community can become more self-reliant in facing disasters.

Meanwhile, volcanology observer Dr. Haryo Edi Wibowo from the Geological Engineering Department, FT UGM, stressed that disaster mitigation is not only the responsibility of the government but also requires close collaboration with academics, the media, and the community. 

This synergy is necessary to create a disaster-responsive society capable of withstanding geological threats. 

“In the long term, the government needs to strengthen the mitigation system with a science-based, technology-based, and public education-based approach. If done well, these steps will reduce the risk of casualties and minimize the economic and social impacts caused by volcanic eruptions,” concluded Dr. Wibowo.

Author: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Artikel Mount Lewotobi Erupts Again, UGM Expert Encourages Strengthening of Volcano Mitigation Measures pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In addition to developing new and renewable energy, mangrove forest conservation holds significant potential for reducing the carbon emissions produced in Indonesia. 

However, recording mangrove carbon stocks requires specialized expertise. Therefore, UGM trained 80 researchers and carbon absorption recorders from various regions across Indonesia.

“Mangroves have the potential to store carbon, acting as carbon sinks. They store carbon both in the trees and in the soil beneath. In fact, the soil holds more carbon—about 70-80 percent of the carbon absorption occurs in the soil,” said UGM Faculty of Geography lecturer Professor Muhammad Kamal.

This speech was delivered during the Ecosystem-Based Approach (Eba) Training for Mangrove Conservation and Mangrove Surface Carbon Stock Mapping to Support Indonesia’s Folu Net Sink 2030 Program at Hotel Santika Yogyakarta on Wednesday (Nov. 20).

According to Professor Kamal, mangroves’ ability to store carbon, both in the mangrove trees themselves and in the soil where they grow, makes them highly potent in reducing Indonesia’s carbon emissions.

He mentioned that Indonesia possesses significant mangrove resources that must be preserved. Mangrove forests can significantly increase carbon absorption, positioning Indonesia to play a substantial role in mitigating climate change and global warming.

However, mapping and recording the carbon stock produced by mangroves has not been fully mastered due to the need for specific skills and expertise. 

“We are providing training on the ability to estimate and calculate the amount of carbon stored in mangrove trees,” said Professor Kamal.

He explained that the 80 participants, who came from various institutions, could bring the skills they had acquired back to their respective regions and use them to calculate the amount of carbon absorbed by mangroves in their areas. 

This way, the reduced carbon emissions due to mangroves across various regions in Indonesia can be tracked.

Professor Kamal hopes that the preservation of mangrove trees will continue and that mangroves’ carbon absorption will become a significant contribution from Indonesia on the international stage in addressing climate change issues.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, noted that this training is not limited to theory and practice but also involves enhancing human resources and developing the participants’ talents. 

According to him, this training is a strategic effort for Indonesia in environmental management. 

“The key to this training is sustainable land management. All vegetation can thrive if the landscape is well-maintained,” said Dr. Hadmoko.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kusdamayanti, Head of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Training Center, emphasized the importance of training in improving human resource quality. 

The diversity of the training participants brings advantages as they come from various regions. 

“Hopefully, the participants can apply what they have learned in their respective areas,” she said.

UGM’s Faculty of Geography, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) of the Republic of Indonesia, organized the Landscape Dynamics Modeling Training for Sustainable Environmental and Natural Resource Management. 

This also included the Ecosystem-Based Approach (Eba) Training for Mangrove Conservation and Surface Carbon Stock Mapping, aimed at supporting Indonesia’s Folu Net Sink 2030 Program. The event took place at Hotel Santika and Hotel Porta on Nov.19-22, 2024.

The 4-day training consists of three days of theoretical lessons, while practical lessons will take place on the fourth day. On the third day, participants will practice data acquisition in landscape dynamic modeling. After the data collection, participants will discuss their findings.

Authors: Hanif and Tiefany

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Trains 80 Researchers to Track Mangrove Carbon Stocks for Indonesia’s Emission Reduction Goals pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The cave, located in the Southern Cross Road (JJLS) construction area, contains stalactites and stalagmites estimated to be hundreds of years old, drawing significant attention from the local community.

Professor Eko Haryono from the UGM Faculty of Geography explained that the discovery of an underground cave in Gunungkidul is unsurprising, as the region is composed of karst formations. 

Since the cave was revealed during excavation activities for the Southern Cross Road, Professor Haryono emphasized the importance of adjusting the project to the cave’s distribution, making an assessment essential. 

“The standard operating procedures require preliminary research on the extent of the cave’s spread,” he said on Monday (Oct. 21).

Professor Haryono and his expert team plan to map the cave in November. The geomorphology expert is currently coordinating with various parties before conducting fieldwork. 

“Once the cave’s distribution is known, the road design may need to be altered or shifted,” he stated firmly.

Professor Haryono mentioned that the public is excited about visiting the cave and taking photos. The cave has the potential to become a tourist attraction. 

However, its carrying capacity and the number of daily visitors must be determined beforehand. 

“We will examine this from a geological and geophysical perspective, measuring temperature and CO2 levels. Air circulation must be ensured for safety.”

Professor Haryono’s study will also assess initial conditions to guarantee human safety and environmental protection. 

In addition to serving as a basis for road construction recommendations, the findings will be used to develop tourist paths within the cave to minimize damage to the active stalactites and stalagmites, which still show signs of water flow. 

“The formation of ancient caves in Gunungkidul is estimated to be hundreds of thousands of years old, so preservation is crucial,” he explained.

Regarding cave preservation, the professor cited examples from other countries where glass enclosures are installed to protect stalactites and stalagmites, maintaining the cave’s ecosystem. 

As Gunungkidul is a karst region, its porous limestone composition leads to frequent cave formations due to dissolution activities. The cave’s mouth is currently sealed with rocks to ensure the analysis can be conducted as thoroughly as possible.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

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Artikel UGM Expert Team to Map Cave Distribution Along Southern Java’s Cross Road Route pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The seven UGM lecturers are Professor Abdul Rohman from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Professor Muh Aris Marfai from the Faculty of Geography, Professor Ahmad Maryudi from the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Ganjar Alfian from the Vocational College, Dr. Eka Noviana from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun from the Faculty of Engineering, and Professor Jumina from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

From the list of the world’s most influential scientists, 150 scientists from Indonesia made it. 

Those categorized as influential scientists are selected based on the impact of their research and the citation of their scientific works in academia, particularly those that are frequently cited or serve as references.

Professor Aris Marfai expressed gratitude for being among the top 2 percent of the world’s most influential scientists. According to him, this achievement is both a reflection and a motivation to contribute more to research and public service. 

“Certainly, this can be used as a reflection and motivation for us to contribute and serve the broader community through the utilization and development of scientific knowledge,” said Professor Marfai on Sunday (Sep. 22).

The professor, who currently heads the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), has published extensively in the field of geography, particularly on geomorphology, disaster management, geospatial information, and coastal areas. 

“Over 300 publications have been produced, including international journals, national journals, books, book chapters, teaching materials, and seminar proceedings,” he explained.

Based on a Google Scholar search, Professor Marfai mentioned that his top 15 publications are reputable international journals with citation data ranging between 150 and 250 citations per publication. 

“According to Google Scholar, the total citations for all my publications have reached 5,713. Most of these citations come from foreign publications,” he explained.

For Professor Marfai, this recognition is not a goal but a consequence of continuous dedication and commitment to knowledge for the benefit of society.

Professor Ahmad Maryudi expressed a similar sentiment and was pleased to be included in the list. According to him, many indicators are used to compile the list, with the number of publications being just one of them. 

“A crucial indicator is how much our works influence other research worldwide, as reflected in how often our works are referenced or cited. So, the ranking is truly based on how frequently our works impact other researchers,” he said.

Professor Maryudi noted that 32,813 researchers were included in the list for the subfield of forestry, and he is ranked 201 globally. 

“Research is my identity. This recognition will certainly motivate me to continue producing valuable research. Not all research can be applied directly,” said Professor Maryudi, who focuses on political and policy research in forestry and the environment, particularly on actors and power relations.

As the only female among the seven UGM lecturers included in the list, Dr. Eka Noviana openly admitted that she was surprised to find her name on the list, especially since she is at the early stage of her research career. 

“It is an honor for me to be included in this list. As an early career researcher, I feel that I am still far from being an influential researcher. I hope that I can continue to grow in that direction in the future,” she humbly stated.

Dr. Noviana mentioned that most of her publications focus on the development of paper-based test devices for rapid and low-cost diagnostics that are easy for users to operate. 

Dr. Noviana noted that she has received 1,615 citations from other researchers from this research. 

“Many citations come from abroad because the field of paper-based analytical devices is popular among researchers from Brazil, Italy, Thailand, and Japan,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Professor Abdul Rohman stated that over the past five years, he has produced much research and publications related to the halal analysis of food and cosmetic products, which have been widely cited in international journals.

On the other hand, Professor Jumina has conducted extensive research and published extensively on the synthesis of drug compounds, testing their activity as anti-cancer agents and validating their mechanisms through molecular docking. He has published 149 international papers indexed in Scopus. 

“The number of citations for my international papers indexed by Scopus is 1,326, with a total of 1,766 citations from both international and national journals. Most of the citations are related to drug development and calixarenes,” he stated.

Dr. Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun noted that he has received 797 citations in Scopus-indexed international journals, while Google Scholar records 1,013 citations. Most of the citations stem from his publications on composite manufacturing and technology, additive manufacturing, and macro-micro-nano manufacturing.

As for Dr. Ganjar Alfian, he has published extensively on the application of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, supply chains, and transportation. 

According to Scopus data, his publications have received 1,903 citations to date. 

“The most frequently cited articles are related to applied artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Additionally, almost all the articles I have published are cited by authors affiliated with overseas institutions,” he stated.

Dr. Alfian hopes that this achievement will further motivate him to continue conducting more applied research and producing publications in line with the vision of UGM’s Vocational School. 

“The hope is that these results can be directly applied and benefit the wider community,” he emphasized.

The World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists 2024 is a scientific ranking system based on an analysis of citation impact across various scientific fields using data from the Scopus database.

This ranking regularly selects 100,000 scientists from across the globe who work in various academic institutions worldwide.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel 7 UGM Lecturers Among Top 2% of Influential Scientists Worldwide pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.