More than 90 participants from 18 countries and 35 speakers attended the 5th Trans-Disciplinary Karst Conference at the UGM Graduate School Building from Aug. 12 to 15.
The conference, organized by the Karst Research Group of the UGM Faculty of Geography in collaboration with the International Union of Speleology and the Asian Union of Speleology, aimed to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of karst regions across Asia.
The Dean of the UGM Graduate School, Professor Siti Malkhamah, stated that advancements in cave and karst science in Asia have led to the emergence of karst communities in various institutions.
She noted that the conference is significant as it unites the global cave and karst community to share experiences and knowledge, raise awareness about caves and karst in Asia, and contribute to global conservation efforts.
“Universities, communities, practitioners, and governments are invaluable resources for the development and protection of cave and karst sciences,” Professor Malkhamah said in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday (Aug. 21).
Professor Malkhamah explained that the conference aims to enhance collaboration in cave exploration and karst conservation and disseminate findings from expeditions and explorations conducted by speleologists across Asia.
She emphasized that the Karst Conference is not merely an academic meeting but a crucial step toward strengthening global karst research and conservation partnerships.
She added, “By gathering experts and practitioners, this conference can bolster collective efforts in climate action and ecosystem restoration, ensuring the sustainability of karst regions for future generations.“
Aziz Fadhani, a participant from the Indonesian Speleological Society (ISS), shared that his goal for attending the conference was to build a network on karst and cave issues and update research insights in speleology.
“At ISS, in addition to cave and karst exploration, we also advocate for issues related to the management and conservation of karst and cave areas in Indonesia,” he said.
The conference covered various themes, including Karst Hydrology and Hydrogeology, Karst and Cave Biodiversity, Karst and Cave Management, Karst Geomorphology and Geology, Physical Geography, Political and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Karst, and Cave and Karst Survey and Expedition Reports.
The conference featured speakers such as Dr. Georgi Veni, Executive Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute; Professor Eko Haryono, Coordinator of the UGM Karst Research Group; Dr. Nadja Zupan Hajna, a researcher at the Karst Research Institute Slovenia; and John Gunn, a scientist at the University of Birmingham.
Andy Eavis, Managing Director of AJE Ltd.; Professor Yuanhai Zhang, a researcher at the International Research Center of Karst China; Professor Suratman of the Faculty of Geography; and Johannes Mattes, Secretary of the International Union of Speleology, also spoke at the event.
At the end of the conference, participants were invited to visit the Indonesian Karst Museum, Seropan Cave, andNgingrong Cave and experience cave tubing.
This tour aimed to provide participants with valuable experiences that would help them appreciate the natural and cultural richness of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Author: Tiefani
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif