Yogyakarta, November 4th–5th 2025 – The Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held the 13th International Graduate Students and Scholars’ Conference in Indonesia (IGSSCI) on November 4th–5th 2025, with the theme “Navigating the Future: Strengthening Resilience Through Global Collaboration Toward World Peace.” This international conference brought together graduate students and researchers from various countries to exchange ideas on issues of resilience, sustainability, and peace.
The 13th IGSSCI was led by Dody Wibowo, S.I.P., M.A., Ph.D., Chief of Quality Assurance for the Peace and Conflict Resolution (MPRK) UGM. Under his coordination, the event ran smoothly and provided a dynamic and collaborative discussion space. Dody emphasized that this conference is an important forum for discussing local and global issues across disciplines and strengthening networks, as these issues require collaboration between fields and levels.
UGM MPRK students also played a role in the 13th IGSSCI as Liaison Officers (LOs) for international speakers and guests. The students accompanied the speakers from their arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), assisting with communication needs, and ensuring their comfort throughout the series of activities. The presence of an LO was not merely a technical aspect of the event, but also a practical space for MPRK UGM students to apply inclusive communication methods, respect for diversity, and maintain a conducive atmosphere, as key values in peace learning.
The experience of serving as an LO, for UGM MPRK students, provided opportunities to interact with international academics, practice diplomatic ethics, and understand the dynamics of cultural differences in real-life contexts. This experience completed their classroom learning, particularly in aspects of peacebuilding, cross-cultural communication, and applicable conflict resolution skills. One student stated that their involvement brought the theories they learned to life because they were able to directly apply them in professional and multicultural situations.
The conference featured interdisciplinary discussions covering issues of food security, climate change, public health, digitalization, peace education, and sustainable governance. The presence of a keynote speaker from Japan, Prof. Hirobumi Takenouchi, enriched the discussion on the importance of global-local partnerships in strengthening communities’ capacity to face global uncertainty.
The 13th IGSSCI, over the two days, served not only as a space for scientific knowledge exchange but also as a practical learning platform for MPRK students. The combination of academic activities and the role of the Lo (Local Representatives) made the conference a valuable experience reinforcing the peace values they learned. Through collaboration between the committee, participants, and students, the 13th IGSSCI reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to building an international network that promotes a resilient and just future.
Author: Elisa Cahya Kristiana
Editor: Burhanul Aqil