UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta hosted the Baluran to Campus Roadshow event. This hybrid event took place at the Graduate School Auditorium UNS and via Zoom Cloud Meeting on Thursday (11/7/2024). The Baluran National Park Office of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) introduced participants to wildlife, landscapes and ecosystem types, technological innovations in area management, flora potential and bioprospecting potential, and the socio-cultural aspects of surrounding communities.
The UNS Surakarta chapter marked the culmination of the Baluran National Park Roadshow across various prominent universities in Indonesia. The event featured keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Satyawan Pudyatmoko, S.Hut, M.Agr.Sc., Director of the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, along with several researchers. The speakers were experienced individuals with extensive research backgrounds in Baluran National Park.
The event aimed to introduce the various potentials and cooperation opportunities of Baluran National Park for research, work programs, and education to the UNS academic community. As a conservation area dedicated to the protection and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems, Baluran National Park offers significant potential and challenges. This provides great opportunities for academics and researchers to assist in the management of this conservation area.
Baluran National Park, one of Indonesia’s oldest national parks, is a conservation area with original ecosystems and abundant biodiversity. This richness requires extensive research to ensure effective and successful natural resource preservation and conservation efforts.
The park boasts 15 types of ecosystems, various wildlife species, and thousands of plant species. There is still untapped bioprospecting potential, necessitating research to utilize genetic resources for the nation’s advancement and societal well-being.
UNS, with its excellent human resources and comprehensive facilities, is well-positioned to contribute valuable research findings. The university offers Environmental Science programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, and a Forestry undergraduate program, which require platforms for learning and research. UNS academics in related fields can explore natural resource management in Indonesia for scientific advancement and national benefit.
During this event, the Environmental Science Program and the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) at UNS agreed to collaborate with Baluran National Park in developing the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative. This declaration included agreements on research development and conservation efforts. The collaboration agreement was witnessed by the Director-General of KSDAE and UNS Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Kuncoro Diharjo, S.T., M.T.
“We share a commitment to preserving the environment and raising awareness of the importance of maintaining natural ecosystems,” Prof. Kuncoro said.
Following the declaration, joint program planning will commence, providing opportunities for the UNS academic community to conduct scientific and environmental research.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti