UGM and University of Technology Sydney Launch International Summer Course on Marine Biodiversity Conservation
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – July 4, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), has officially inaugurated the International Summer Course on Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation. The program began on June 30, 2025, and will run through July 26, 2025. This ambitious summer course underscores UGM’s strong dedication to fostering international partnerships focused on sustainability challenges, particularly those centered on fisheries management and marine biodiversity conservation.
Deepening Understanding of Marine Conservation
Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice-Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration at Biology UGM, expressed the importance of the course during a press briefing on July 3. “We want students to gain deeper insights into various issues surrounding marine biodiversity conservation,” he stated.
The program brings together around 50 students from Biology UGM and other universities across Indonesia, alongside seven students from UTS. This diverse cohort is expected to benefit from enriched cross-cultural exchanges and active involvement in community-based conservation activities.
Integrating Language and Cultural Learning
Enhancing the academic curriculum, Dr. Wulan Rahmiati, Coordinator of the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) at UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences, highlighted that participants will also take part in Indonesian language classes and cultural immersion programs. “We hope this language training becomes a crucial gateway for fostering meaningful interactions between the participants and the local community,” she explained.
UTS Students Embrace Indonesia’s Rich Diversity
Representing UTS, Dr. Megan Murray expressed gratitude for UGM’s hospitality and emphasized the enthusiasm exhibited by Australian students. “Our students are very eager not only to learn academically but also to experience Indonesia’s rich social, cultural, and ecological diversity,” she commented. “There is so much to learn from Indonesia’s cultural life and biodiversity.”
A Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Network Building
Biology UGM’s Dean, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, framed the summer course as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, building international networks, and raising awareness about environmental issues related to marine and coastal ecosystems. “The younger generation plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future through education, research, and community engagement,” he concluded.
Comprehensive Program Activities
Throughout the 26-day program, participants will engage in a diverse array of activities designed to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. These include field excursions to Porok Beach, permaculture training at Bumi Langit, educational visits to the Biology Museum, and cultural exploration trips to several historic sites such as Prambanan Temple, Sojiwan Temple, Sonobudoyo Museum, the Yogyakarta Palace, the heritage district of Kotagede, and the Royal Tombs of Imogiri.
Further enriching the experience, participants will take part in UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) and attend online lectures presented by experts from multiple prestigious institutions, including UGM itself, the University of Technology Sydney, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Chiba University, Leiden University, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universitas Hasanuddin, among others.
For further information, please contact the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Reporter: Biology UGM / Nur Indah Septriani
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Biology UGM
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Australia | Biology UGM | Faculty of Biology | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDG 4: Quality Education | Sustainable Development Goals | UGM Global Partnerships
