The UGM Faculty of Forestry commemorated its 60th anniversary with the theme “60 Years of UGM Faculty of Forestry’s Contribution to Preserving Indonesia’s Forests and Environment.”
The pinnacle of the celebration, an open senate meeting, was held on Friday (October 20) at Grha Sabha Pramana. The presence of the Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, graced the event.
“The extensive history of the UGM Faculty of Forestry is filled with various contributions, works, and thoughts, making it a reference and a source of forest-related knowledge. I am a witness to the fundamental influence of the UGM campus in the governance of our nation,” said the minister.
In her address to the academic community and alumni of the Faculty of Forestry, Siti Nurbaya highlighted the various disturbances and challenges in forest management.
She hoped that the academic community and alumni could continue to support the government in identifying solutions to address disturbances, reinforce the paradigm of sustainable forest management, and contribute to maintaining balance and justice.
“The challenges in managing forest resources will continue to increase, and new disturbances will emerge. Let us elaborate on further steps to face these challenges,” the minister urged.
The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Sigit Sunarta, expressed that this anniversary celebration served as a starting point for improving the quality of forestry knowledge, especially in tropical forests, to ensure sustainability and allow optimal contributions to the nation and its land.
“The chosen theme reflects the historical journey of the Faculty of Forestry, founded in 1963, in supporting sustainable forest management in Indonesia, ensuring the ecosystem’s function and environmental services for a better future,” Dr. Sunarta explained.
The UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, who attended representing the rector, appreciated the Faculty of Forestry’s achievements and successes.
She expressed hope that the Faculty of Forestry would continue to contribute significantly to safeguarding the environment from damage and exploitation, ensuring that future generations of Indonesia could enjoy economic progress in the Golden Indonesia era without inheriting environmental issues.
“What needs to be done now is concrete action by all of us, not just by the state, as we are all involved in it. The Faculty of Forestry plays a significant role as the vanguard, as it has been intensively done over the past 60 years,” she emphasized.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Firsto