The Universitas Gadjah Mada Board of Professors (DGB UGM) welcomed a visit from multidisciplinary and multi-expertise alumni.
Among the visitors were the Director of Sustainitiate, Nazir Foead; the Director of Forest and Wildlife WWF Indonesia, Dr. Muhammad Ali Imron; and the Director of Mapa Bhakti Lestari Foundation, Januar Wida Wicaksono.
The trustee of Mapa Bhakti Foundation, Ferry Iskandar, the Supervisor, Aisyah Hilal, and the Commercial Director of ARBio—Saraswanti Genomic Institute (SGI), Anang Agus Susanto, were also in attendance.
Additionally, Sandhya Yuddha and Dwi Oblo, a photographer and regular contributor to Thomson-Reuters, National Geographic Indonesia, and National Geographic Traveler, joined the group.
Professor Baiquni, Chair of DGB UGM, received this group of multidisciplinary alumni in his office on Monday (Aug. 19). They reminisced and discussed various societal and environmental issues in a relaxed atmosphere.
Several ideas for concrete actions to address environmental problems emerged during the meeting.
The alumni did not hesitate to question the role and duties of DGB UGM. During the discussion, they also inquired about the position of DGB UGM within the organizational and governance structure of Universitas Gadjah Mada, and ProfessorBaiquni answered all their questions.
He explained that DGB UGM, among other roles, develops thoughts or views and provides input to UGM organs regarding strategic issues faced by the nation and the country and their solutions.
“The DGB UGM also pioneers in developing and instilling a national perspective among the academic community and the public,” he said.
Various mental health issues were also highlighted during this meeting. In the discussion, it was agreed that mental health requires conceptual treatment, including prevention, care, and mental healing.
During the meeting, Professor Baiquni also talked about efforts to promote physical and mental well-being through various healthy and fitness activities. One such activity is Shinrin Yoku, which involves oxygen bathing under forest or garden trees, providing a calming and rejuvenating experience.
He also mentioned Nordic Walking, which involves walking with poles to move joints and effectively increase oxygen circulation. Another activity discussed was Art Stone Balancing, which focuses on achieving balance and enhancing the experience of oxygen circulation.
As the afternoon progressed, the discussion became even more engaging, covering topics such as waste management. How waste management can turn waste into useful materials has always been a discussion point, with Mapa Bhakti in Yogyakarta sharing experiences.
Effective waste management requires broader partnerships and implementation in other regions. Community-based waste management systems at the district and city levels require citizen participation and partner collaboration.
“Innovative ideas and creative waste management movements should also become a topic of discussion and focus for environmental enthusiasts to contribute to addressing the issue,” said Januar Wida Wicaksono.
Report by: Heru Sutrisno
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afif