The Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its commitment to international collaboration through the implementation of the Doctoral Internship Program, a joint initiative with the Faculty of Geography and Guilin University of Technology (GUT), China. This program provides opportunities for international students to engage in cross-border academic and research experiences. Since April 21, 2025, five students from GUT have joined UGM for approximately three months—three students in the non-degree Doctoral Program in Environmental Science and two students in the Master’s Internship Program in Geography. Prior to their arrival, the participants prepared study and research plans and are being supervised by UGM academics, including Prof. Eko Haryono, to actively participate in academic and research activities during their stay in Indonesia.
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On May 8, 2025, the GUT students attended a lecture titled “Changes in Volcanic Landscapes and Human Activity Interference” delivered by Mr. Malawani from the Department of Geography, UGM. The lecture explored the evolution of volcanic morphology and the influence of human activities in the Gendol Valley, Mount Merapi, including the impacts of eruptions, sedimentation, and mining activities on river forms and flow dynamics.
The following day, May 9, 2025, the students attended another lecture on “Volcanic Studies in Indonesia” by Mr. Indranova from UGM. The session discussed the spatial distribution of volcanoes in Indonesia and the development of geochemical research that enhances the understanding of volcanic system formation mechanisms related to plate tectonics.
On May 15, 2025, Prof. Eko Haryono from the Faculty of Geography, UGM, delivered a lecture on “Karst Geomorphology.” This session provided an in-depth understanding of the formation, evolution, and unique characteristics of karst landscapes, supported by visual presentations from various field sites.
Subsequently, on May 16, 2025, Prof. Arifudin Idrus from the Faculty of Engineering, UGM, presented a lecture on “Mineral Resources in Indonesia.” He discussed major mineral types, their geological formation, production levels, and mining methods applied across the country.
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The lecture series concluded with a field study at Mount Gupit, Central Java, on May 20, 2025, guided by Prof. Arifudin Idrus and his team. During this fieldwork, the GUT students studied crater distribution, changes in mineral composition, diorite intrusion, ore body formation, and mineralization prospects in the region.
Following the lecture and field study sessions, during June, the GUT students prepared summaries and reflections on their learning experiences in Indonesia. The exchange program concluded on July 16, 2025, when the GUT participants returned to China, bringing valuable insights into Indonesia’s geology and natural resource management, as well as strengthened academic ties between the two universities.
As part of UGM’s commitment to sustainable development, this program contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to cross-border learning experiences, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through enhanced international collaboration in education and research.
Author: Ulyn N