The Faculty of Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Geography UGM) launched a series of events marking its 62nd Anniversary on Thursday (June 26) at the western courtyard of E Building. The opening ceremony heralds a wide range of academic and non-academic activities designed to celebrate this special milestone and reflect on the faculty’s enduring contributions to scientific advancement and community service.
“May this anniversary inspire us to collaborate further in advancing the Republic of Indonesia,” said Dr. Mukhamad Ngainul Malawani, Chair of the 62nd Anniversary Committee.
In his report, Dr. Malawani outlined several key programs scheduled over the next three to four months, including grave visitations, scientific competitions, the National Geography Seminar, the launch of a geoportal, and a Career Development Talk series open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
The celebrations will conclude with a faculty-wide “Minggu Gembira” (Joyful Sunday) gathering.
“We kindly request the support of all faculty members for the upcoming programs, and we hope everything will run smoothly,” he added.
Professor Muhammad Kamal, Dean of Geography UGM, explained that this year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Geography’, invites all members of the academic community to reaffirm the discipline’s vital role in sustaining the planet and building adaptive resilience amid rapid global change.
“This theme encourages us to collaborate in preserving the Earth’s sustainability while fostering adaptive resilience to face contemporary challenges,” said Professor Kamal.
He further emphasized that Sustainable Geography is more than a slogan; it represents a spirit of scholarship grounded in empathy for the planet and a collective awareness of the importance of sustainability.
The theme aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 11, 13, 15, and 17, which emphasize sustainable cities and communities, climate action, life on land, and global partnerships.
“We aim to optimize available technologies for better regional development and inclusive environmental conservation,” he stated, while officially unveiling the 62nd Anniversary logo.
The word Lestari, familiar in Indonesian, also serves as an acronym for Living Earth, Strengthening Together for Adaptive Resilience.
This phrase encapsulates two core ideas: the Earth as a dynamic living system that must be understood and protected, and the importance of collective strength in confronting today’s social, environmental, and technological challenges.
“Lestari is not only a call to preserve but also a call to build shared resilience that is adaptive and sustainable,” Professor Kamal explained.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic bird release, attended by Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships.
The release symbolized hope for continued creativity and freedom in scholarly endeavors.
The event was followed by a morning exercise session enjoyed by the entire academic community, including faculty members, staff, students, and alumni, who later gathered for a communal breakfast.
As one of the pioneers of geography education in Indonesia, Geography UGM continues to play an active role in addressing strategic issues related to the Earth, natural disasters, and environmental sustainability.
With a strong geospatial approach and a broad collaborative network, the faculty has become a national reference in strategic research supporting sustainable development.
“The 62-year journey of the UGM Faculty of Geography is the result of our collective efforts to develop impactful science for the nation and the world,” Professor Kamal concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie