The Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Environmental Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (MDIL UGM) are strengthening academic and research collaboration with National Taiwan University (NTU) and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) through an academic visit held from October 4–10, 2026. The visit was conducted by Prof. Dr. Junun Sartohadi, M.Sc., following an invitation from the Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, NTU, to discuss potential collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.
The exploratory discussions covered research and educational development, student supervision, academic exchanges, and the organization of international seminars. Several meetings were held with academics from NTU and NTNU to identify potential areas of collaboration for further development.
On October 5 & 6, 2026, Prof. Junun Sartohadi met with Prof. Zeng-Yei Hsue from the Department of Agriculture Chemistry, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, NTU. The discussion explored research opportunities in applied pedology for environmental management. Proposed initiatives included joint courses in geomorphology, soil science, and their applications; joint supervision of doctoral students; and the development of proximal sensing instruments and their supporting mathematical models.
Further discussions took place on October 7, 2026, with Prof. Mucahid Bayrak and Dr. Sendo Wang from the Department of Geography, College of Liberal Arts, NTNU. The meeting explored opportunities for joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and the organization of the Joint International Seminar on Geomorphology, planned for June 2027 under the auspices of the regional organization of the International Association of Geomorphology (IAG).
On October 9, 2026, the visit continued at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, NTU, where Prof. Junun Sartohadi met with Prof. River Huang and Dr. Ji-Chian Yang. Discussions included potential support for prospective students pursuing doctoral studies abroad through scholarships from Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), including the possibility of complementary financial support from NTU. The meeting also addressed follow-up actions concerning the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UGM and NTU, including the preparation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to support joint research, educational activities, and the supervision of master’s and doctoral students.
Opportunities for collaboration in organizing regional geomorphology seminars in Asia were also discussed. These initiatives are expected to strengthen academic relations between the institutions while creating opportunities for faculty members and students to participate in cross-border educational and research activities.
This exploratory visit represents a strategic step toward expanding UGM’s international academic network, particularly in geomorphology, applied pedology, and environmental management. Through knowledge exchange and the development of joint research, these prospective collaborations could strengthen academic capacity and advance scientific approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The academic collaboration initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, through opportunities to develop joint courses, facilitate the supervision of master’s and doctoral students, and promote faculty and student exchanges. It also supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly through the exploration of research and the development of proximal sensing technologies to support soil science and environmental management. Furthermore, the initiative is closely linked to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthened institutional relationships and the development of international collaboration in education, research, and knowledge exchange.
Through this visit, UGM hopes to translate the discussions into concrete, well-planned, and sustainable collaborative programs. Further cooperation with NTU and NTNU is expected to expand opportunities for international academic engagement, enhance the quality of education and research, and strengthen the contribution of higher education institutions to scientific advancement and sustainable environmental management.
Author: Ulyn Nuha