UGM is elected host of international conference on volcanoes, Cities on Volcanoes 8 (CoV 8), pushing aside several candidates from various countries. The selection is made by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI).
The Cities on Volcanoes conference is a biennial event for volcanologists to present research findings related to volcanic issues. It accommodates capacities and preparedness of a city in managing a volcano in terms of disaster risk or resources.
Related to UGM being elected host for the September event, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc., conference committee member said UGM was seen as able to host the seminar as UGM has a diversity of sciences as well as contributing in risk management of Mt. Merapi eruption in 2010 while having infrastructure support and facilities for the seminar.
“The hosting of CoV 8 is fully supported by Yogyakarta local government, Sleman local government and Geology/Volcanology Centre,” he said in a release sent out on Thursday (24/4).
Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X expressed his enthusiasm while receiving the call made by Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc, and Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc, Ph.D, and event committee Prof. Dr. Kirbani Sri Broto Puspito and Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc. The meeting in Gedong Wilis in the gubernatorial office compound on Tuesday (23/4) was also attended by Head of Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), Dr. Surono, as well as Regent of Sleman, Drs. Sri Purnomo, M.Si, and Head of Water, Energy and Mineral Agency, Ir. Widi Sutikno, M.Si.
Danang said further that Sri Sultan HB X encouraged the role of Indonesian scientists in the conference through the concept of harmony with nature. This is in line with the theme of the seminar that carries the topic of "living in harmony with volcanoes”. Rector of UGM said that the conference became the media for scientific community to present and share experiences in managing volcanoes.