Two students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have once again earned recognition beyond the academic field.
Antonia Elena Listya Araminta, a Chemical Engineering student from the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), was selected as the Environmental Ambassador of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), while Alifa, a student from the UGM Faculty of Biology, was named among the Top 10 Finalists in the same competition.
Elena shared that she was born and raised in Solo. Her decision to join the Environmental Ambassador selection was closely tied to her academic background.
Elena also mentioned that environmental awareness runs in her family.
“I’ve always enjoyed nature, and so has my sister. But what motivated me to join the Environmental Ambassador program is that my major is strongly related to environmental issues,” she said on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Outside of class, Elena is actively involved in the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE), a community focused on developing renewable energy sources.
Through this involvement, she has gained extensive knowledge about Indonesia’s untapped potential for environmentally friendly energy.
When asked about her hopes as the newly selected Environmental Ambassador of DIY and her challenges in advancing to the national level, Elena said she aims to encourage more young people to care about the environment and renewable energy.
“I want to raise awareness among the youth about the worsening state of our environment. That’s why I felt even more confident about joining this program,” she said.
Her experience in the Environmental Ambassador competition has further enriched her knowledge and advocacy skills in promoting environmental awareness among young people to support a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
“I want to be a voice for young people’s ideas and inspire positive change that benefits both ourselves and others,” she added.
Meanwhile, Alifa, named among Yogyakarta’s Top 10 Environmental Ambassadors, hails from Kulon Progo, DIY.
Alifa, the eldest of two siblings, has been interested in climate change issues since middle school.
Participating in the competition has allowed her to learn more, engage in environmental advocacy, and inspire more people to care about nature.
According to Alifa, today’s youth are increasingly aware of the environment’s role in sustainable development.
However, protecting the environment can start with individual actions, improving daily habits, and building collective awareness to love and care for the planet.
“Young people must always contribute to a more sustainable Earth,” she said.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna