Yogyakarta, 17 November 2025 — The Geo-Information for Disaster Management Master’s Study Interest of the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held a scientific discussion and book review with the theme “Soil and Water Conservation from Legal and Policy Perspectives.” The event was attended by various members of the academic community and professionals, and took place at the Auditorium of Unit 1 Building, Graduate School.
The event invited speakers from practitioners, academics, and environmental activists, including:
- Dr. Ir. Zulkarnain, M.S. (Professor of Soil and Water Conservation / Book Author)
- Dr. Ir. Budi Mulyanto, MSc. (Professor of Soil Science, IPB / Book Reviewer)
- Wahyu Yun Santoso, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M. (Environmental Law Lecturer, Faculty of Law UGM / Book Reviewer)
- Rosita Y. Suwardi Wibawa (Environmental Activist from Kinarya Anak Bangsa NGO / Book Reviewer)
- Dr. rer. nat. Junun Sartohadi, M.Sc. (Professor, Faculty of Agriculture UGM / Book Reviewer)
The purpose of this activity was to encourage the creation of a cross-disciplinary scientific discussion space among academics, policymakers, and environmental practitioners in discussing issues of soil and water conservation. In addition, the activity also aimed to produce recommendations that support the strengthening of soil and water conservation policies based on ecological justice and sustainability.
Each speaker delivered highly engaging material, increasing participants’ interest in discussing more seriously the current strategic conditions, particularly regarding soil and water management and emerging issues. In line with the contents of the reviewed book, the connection between moral values, legal ethics, and human responsibility in maintaining environmental sustainability is highly emphasized.
Participants were very enthusiastic in examining each key point presented by the speakers. The presence of questions and exchanges of arguments between participants and speakers made the discussion livelier. It is hoped that this activity becomes one of the efforts to further raise awareness among people from all sectors as well as the government to work together in giving full attention to environmental sustainability, particularly in the safe and sustainable management of soil and water.
Author: Siti Muyasaroh