Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially launched the 2025 International Summer Course (ISC) under the theme “Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation.” This annual event is part of the series for the 14th Lustrum of the Faculty of Biology. This year, the ISC is held in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) through funding from the New Colombo Plan, the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and UGM’s Directorate of Community Service.
Following the Indonesian Language and Culture Program held on July 1–11, 2025, and the Community Service Program (KKN) in Margoagung Village, Seyegan District, Sleman Regency on July 14–18, 2025 in collaboration with UTS, the regular ISC officially opened on Monday morning (July 21) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The ISC is attended by 34 participants from 6 countries and 10 universities, including the University of Technology Sydney (Australia), Chiba University (Japan), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (Malaysia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), University of the Philippines Los Baños, UGM, UIN Walisongo, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW).
In his opening remarks, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., expressed his gratitude to all participants and partner universities for their involvement. As Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, he hoped the course would become a valuable experience for participants to contribute on a global scale.
Prof. Ir. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, Head of the KKN Sub-directorate under the Directorate of Community Service at UGM, highlighted that this program creates opportunities for interdisciplinary study, allowing participants to approach issues from various perspectives.
Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Program Coordinator of INCULS, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, expressed special thanks to the participants from the University of Technology Sydney for taking part in the Indonesian language learning program. “We hope the knowledge you have gained will be useful and applicable whenever needed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of the UGM Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, emphasized that the program serves as an immersion opportunity that connects universities with local communities. She underlined the importance of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia, which still faces serious challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.
Through this program, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a young generation that is environmentally conscious and actively contributes to global conservation efforts. This initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by aiming to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to quality international education through collaborative learning across nations, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering meaningful international cooperation.