The Graduate Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a seminar titled “Funtastic Without Plastic: Save Nature for the Future” on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. Held to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, which carries the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the seminar brought together two distinguished speakers whose expertise complemented one another in addressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Ir. Ammy Nurwati, M.M., Secretary of the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, presented a lecture on “Biodiversity Conservation in Indonesia”, offering an in-depth overview of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and the challenges of its preservation. Meanwhile, Daru Aji Saputra, S.Si., Founder of Fourkey Yogyakarta (Yayasan Aksi Konservasi Yogyakarta), discussed “The Role of Young Generations in Ending Plastic Pollution and Conserving Coastal Ecosystems”, focusing on practical strategies for youth involvement in environmental action. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Priyaji Agung Pambudi, S.Pd., M.Si., lecturer of the UGM Environmental Science Graduate Program.
(Event Documentation)
The selection of both theme and venue reflected the global focus of World Environment Day 2025, particularly relevant for Indonesia as an archipelagic nation facing serious threats from plastic pollution affecting marine and coastal ecosystems. The seminar adopted a hybrid format, enabling broad participation from diverse backgrounds. A total of 200 participants took part, consisting of 70 on-site attendees at Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park—where the beach itself served as a vivid reminder of plastic pollution’s impact—and 130 online participants joining via Zoom from various regions of Indonesia. The choice of Parangtritis as the venue was strategic, considering that coastal ecosystems remain among the most affected by global plastic pollution, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year, endangering marine life and coastal livelihoods.
“The 2025 World Environment Day commemoration, ‘Funtastic Without Plastic: Save Nature for the Future’, organized by the UGM Environmental Science Master’s Program, represents our concrete commitment to environmental issues and to advancing the SDGs. Guided by this year’s theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, this series of activities aims to foster public participation in reducing plastic use while raising environmental awareness. Through a holistic approach—from education via seminars to hands-on field actions—this event reflects our dedication to finding real solutions to environmental problems. The collaboration among government, academia, and civil society showcased here serves as a model of synergy that must be sustained to create a better planet,” stated Lucky Oktavian Prakoso, the event’s organizing committee chair.
The seminar directly contributed to several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14 (Life Below Water) was central, focusing on the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems from escalating plastic pollution. SDG 15 (Life on Land) was addressed through discussions on biodiversity conservation in Indonesia—home to the world’s second-highest level of biodiversity. The event also supported SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting reduced plastic usage and sustainable waste management practices. Educationally, SDG 4 (Quality Education) was reflected in the seminar’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, while SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) came to life through the synergistic collaboration among universities, government agencies, and civil society organizations in tackling global environmental challenges.
(Event Documentation)
The global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” underscores the urgent need to confront the plastic pollution crisis. As a nation of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia faces unique challenges in managing plastic waste that pollutes both marine and coastal environments. Through the “Funtastic Without Plastic” seminar, the UGM Environmental Science Graduate Program reaffirmed its dual role not only as an educational institution but also as a catalyst for change, inspiring the next generation of Indonesians to become environmental change-makers.
By combining scientific insights from the government—represented by Dr. Ammy Nurwati—with practical conservation experience from civil society—represented by Daru Aji Saputra, S.Si.—the seminar offered a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on addressing plastic pollution in Indonesia. The event aimed to spark a nationwide movement to reduce plastic use, raise public awareness on environmental protection, and generate constructive discussions and practical recommendations that can be implemented from the individual to the policy level.
Through this initiative, the UGM Environmental Science Graduate Program reaffirmed its commitment to environmental preservation through education, research, and community engagement. The seminar “Funtastic Without Plastic: Save Nature for the Future” serves as part of UGM’s continuous efforts to raise environmental awareness among academics, students, and the broader public—standing as a tangible demonstration of UGM’s dedication to the global environmental agenda and Indonesia’s leadership in addressing the climate and plastic pollution crisis.
Author: HLH 2025 Team