The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) successfully held the “Conference on Locality, Ontology, and Environmental History” on June 25-26, 2025, at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, UGM. This event served as an interdisciplinary academic discussion platform aimed at re-evaluating how locality and traditional knowledge can contribute to global environmental issues, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as education for sustainability, air quality, climate change, and ecosystem preservation.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Mimi Savitri, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics and communities in re-examining the relationship between humans and nature from local and ontological perspectives. This collaboration is crucial for addressing pressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable practices.

The event also featured welcoming speeches from Farabi Fakih of the UGM History Department and Prof. Diana Suhardiman from KITLV, who highlighted the significance of integrating local wisdom into contemporary environmental discourse. Their insights underscored the need for a holistic approach to understanding the intricate connections between culture, history, and the environment.

The conference included six thematic discussion panels, covering a wide range of issues from climate change, water and land management, power and environment, local knowledge, urban social movements, to historical reflections on the Cretaceous period and the Anthropocene. These discussions aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and local practices, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability.

For instance, the first panel showcased studies on climate adaptation based on the spiritual-ecological practices of farmers in Playen, Gunungkidul, as well as the management of the Wonosadi Customary Forest. These case studies illustrated how traditional practices can inform modern environmental strategies, contributing to the SDGs related to climate action and ecosystem preservation.

Meanwhile, the fifth panel addressed the issue of urban segregation in Yogyakarta, which has shifted from racial divides to competition for access to water resources. This discussion highlighted the critical need for equitable resource management in urban settings, emphasizing the role of local communities in advocating for their rights and environmental justice.

Overall, the conference served as a significant platform that brought together science, activism, and local wisdom, embodying the spirit of decolonizing knowledge in addressing the global environmental crisis. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, the event aimed to inspire innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability and the well-being of both people and the planet.

The success of this conference reflects UGM’s commitment to advancing education for sustainability and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling climate change and enhancing air quality. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, initiatives like this are essential for cultivating a more sustainable future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students have made another proud achievement. The Basabuja team consisting of students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), won a bronze medal in the national essay competition at the Andalas 2025 Scientific Week. The competition was organized by the Political Science Student Association (HIMAPOL) of Andalas University, West Sumatra.

The Basabuja team, which is an acronym for Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, consists of four students namely Muhammad Siswoyo, Yudha Adistira, Dwi Mei Saroh, and Dian Nitami. In the competition that was held offline, the Basabuja team carried the subtheme of Law and Culture with the essay title Kuṭāramanawa: Ancient and Present Ramanawa.

The essay raised the customary law during the Majapahit Kingdom, which was recorded in Kuṭāramanawa. “What is applied from Kuṭāramanawa is in the form of Smart QR Code and Internet of Things (IoT). As a law that contains very complete social rules, with 275 articles and 19 chapters, we realize that Kuṭāramanawa has values that are relevant to today’s social and environmental conditions,” said Yudha Adistira in an online interview (28/05/2025).

According to Dwi Mei Saroh, in an online interview (24/05/2025), their team had to go through an elimination stage before entering the final round. The final round was held on May 10-13, 2025, with a presentation session on the 11th and the announcement of the winner on May 12. “The only one who represented our team to go and present at Andalas was Siswoyo,” he said.

The process of composing the essays that the team went through was not easy. Dian Nitami said that their long journey began in January 2025. “From the process, of course, many dynamics occurred and the toughest lies in the cost constraints. However, this was overcome with the commitment and solidarity of the team and the help of many other parties. Therefore, we would like to thank you for all the help that has been given,” he explained in an online interview (24/05/2025).

This achievement is expected to be a spark of enthusiasm for students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program to continue to work and innovate. In addition, Muhammad Siswoyo invited the younger generation to keep trying to preserve, explore knowledge, and innovate from Javanese literary works. “Javanese literature has many innovative opportunities that can be developed with an interdisciplinary approach. Many branches of science are connected to the laws, customs, culture, and habits of the Javanese people. Friends can utilize this into new innovations. For that, let’s preserve Javanese culture,” he said in an online interview (24/05/2025).

In line with this, Yudha Adistira emphasized the importance of accessibility to classic manuscripts as an effort to preserve and utilize the noble values of the nation. “Customary law is often considered ancient and left behind, but in fact it contains values that are very relevant to the present. However, access to manuscripts such as Kuṭāramanawa is still very limited. Therefore, we feel it is important to digitize this manuscript so that it can be more widely accessed, studied, and reapplied, especially in the context of legal education, cultural preservation, and national character building. We believe that technology can be a bridge between the past and the future,” he concluded.

Author: Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

PT AEON Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Sahabat Kota Wisata, planted trees at AEON Mall Living World Kota Wisata, Cibubur. This activity was part of a series of events organized for the opening of the AEON mall in mid-March. Tree planting by the AEON Group began in 1991 and is used as an activity to embody AEON’s core philosophy of corporate social responsibility towards nature and the community around the company’s location. 

Trees were planted in the courtyard of the shopping center, covering an area of one hectare. For this planting, PT AEON Indonesia used Syzygium Oleana (Photinia Red Robin), around 60 plants measuring 60 cm. Several PT AEON Indonesia executives, including Mr. Takahiro Osugi as President and CEO, also attended the event. In his interview, he said: “The aim of planting this tree is to enrich the lives of the residents of Kota Wisata Cibubur and the surrounding area. The trees that will be planted should contribute to improved air quality and a healthier environment.” 

Tree planting is therefore one of the efforts being made to protect the climate and currently polluted land. In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this activity can be classified as a collaboration under points 13 (combating climate change) and 15 (protecting terrestrial flora and fauna).

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On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Dr. Sita Hidayah Ph.D as the representative in charge of the Independent Campus 2024 Competition Program conducted a half-time evaluation of the implementation of research in Pandansari Village, the discussion which was held in the PTPN IX Kaligua Agrotourism area was attended by ten PKKM research and village development scheme participants. The research scheme participants who had departed earlier on October 9 presented findings related to each topic studied ranging from agriculture, tourism, education, irrigation, and forestry, this progress according to Dr. Sita Hidayah is very interesting and can be further developed into research that has novelty.

As for the participants of the village development scheme, this opportunity will be used to realize a program entitled Waste Management Mapping in Pandansari Village: Solutions Based on the Use of Titen Application. This program will specifically be implemented in Dukuh Kalikidang and Embel, through this program it is hoped that the community can participate in mapping waste management problems in the surrounding environment with the “Titen” software application developed by the Anthropology Department.

Pandansari Village itself is not the first time to become a research locus for UGM anthropology students because of its complex and very interesting agricultural culture dynamics to be studied anthropologically, the results of the research that have been carried out are expected not only to fulfill writing assignments, but also to benefit the local community. By focusing on environmental, economic, and inequality issues, the research seeks to achieve sustainable goals in accordance with SDG 8, SDG 10, and SDG 15.

[HUMAS FIB UGM, Author: Novilatul Ananda Ramadhani, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

On August 7, 2024, a significant educational event took place in the hall of Kalurahan Kelapa, located in Kalurahan Kelapa, North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Thousand Islands Regency, DKI Jakarta. This initiative aimed to improve the understanding of tourism and tourist characteristics among the local community, particularly the members of the Tourism Awareness Group (POKDARWIS) from both Kalurahan, namely Kalurahan Kelapa and Kalurahan Harapan. The event was organized in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation, basic education, ecosystem protection and ocean conservation.

The event began with remarks from local government representatives, who highlighted the important role of tourism in the local economy. Speakers emphasized that sustainable tourism practices are essential to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands. This is in line with the SDG goal to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

After the opening remarks, a presentation on Tourism and Traveler Characteristics was delivered, which focused on various aspects of tourism, mainly marine tourism in accordance with the location of the venue, namely the sea and beaches of Harapan Island and Kelapa Island. Experts in the field shared insights on tourism and the characteristics of modern travelers, including their preference for green travel options and their growing awareness of environmental issues. This information is vital for local communities, as it helps them tailor their services to the expectations of eco-conscious travelers.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of ecosystem protection. Participants learned about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impact of tourism on these environments. The event emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. This education is crucial to ensure that the natural resources of the islands are preserved for future generations.

In addition to ecosystem protection, the event also addressed the importance of ocean conservation. Speakers highlighted the threats posed by pollution and overfishing, urging communities to adopt practices that protect their marine environment. Local fishermen and tour operators were encouraged to participate in ocean conservation efforts, reinforcing the idea that healthy oceans are essential for sustainable tourism.

Educational sessions also included discussions on basic education of the ocean and its resources, as well as its role in promoting sustainable tourism. Participants are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and share their knowledge with others in the Pokdarwis community. This approach not only empowers individuals but also builds a culture of sustainability, particularly in the two aforementioned kalurahan.

In subsequent sessions, participants engaged in interactive activities designed to reinforce the concepts learned during the presentation. These activities included discussions and Q&As, role-play scenarios, and demonstrations of sustainable tourism practices. The enthusiasm among participants was palpable, reflecting their commitment to becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

The event closed with a commitment from POKDARWIS members to apply the knowledge gained in their daily practices. They pledged to promote green tourism initiatives and educate visitors on the importance of protecting the local environment. This collective effort is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs related to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Overall, the educational event held at Kalurahan Kelapa Hall was an encouraging success. The event not only provided valuable information on tourism and its impact on the environment, but also built a sense of community responsibility towards ecosystem protection and ocean conservation. Local communities are now better equipped to welcome tourists while ensuring the preservation of their natural heritage.