15.2.4. Educational Programs On Ecosystems
Educational Program on Ecosystems through the “Uncovering the Charm of Mount Merbabu” Summer Course
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, in collaboration with the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority (TNGMb), organized a free educational program on ecosystems through a summer course entitled “Uncovering the Charm of Mount Merbabu.” The program was joined by students and academics from Indonesia and several other countries, including the Netherlands, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Turkmenistan.
This free educational program aims to strengthen the university’s internationalization efforts while contributing to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. Participants experienced direct learning in the field through ecosystem exploration at Mount Merbabu National Park, observation of endemic flora and fauna, and interactive discussions with researchers and park managers.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, Vice Rector for Academic and Research Affairs at UNS, emphasized that the summer course served as a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary learning platform. She stated, “We want to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of science-based conservation while fostering collaboration between academia and conservation authorities.”
Integrated Classroom and Field Learning:
The program began with a series of public lectures featuring speakers from FMIPA UNS, the Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and international partners. Topics covered included the Biodiversity of Potyvirus and Indonesian spices, as well as their biodiversity, Usage, and conservation. Additionally, mathematical modeling and data analysis of biodiversity were explored.
The following day, participants joined a field trip to the Spekta Merbabu conservation area in Semarang Regency. Activities included vegetation observation, biodiversity study, and ecosystem mapping. During a two-day camping session, participants received science-based conservation training, including ecosystem understanding, field data collection ethics, preservation techniques for scientific documentation, and ecological data analysis methods.
Support from Mount Merbabu National Park
Dr. Anggit Haryoso, Head of the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration. Partnerships with universities like UNS are essential for sustainable national park management. Young people must take an active role in biodiversity conservation,” he said.
Sustainable Impact
This summer course provided a valuable learning experience that enhanced participants’ environmental awareness and scientific understanding of ecosystems. The activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 15: Life on Land, by promoting ecosystem education and biodiversity preservation.
Through this initiative, FMIPA UNS and the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority demonstrate strong synergy in environmental education and sustainable natural resource management, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as an open tropical natural laboratory for global collaboration.