Makassar, 17 July 2026 – The Forestry Study Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, in collaboration with ICRAF (Landscape Alliance), successfully held an international guest lecture entitled EPISTEM Goes to Campus: Young Generation as Drivers of Landscape Management Based on Remote Sensing. The event, held at I-Gift Learn, Menara Iqra, 2nd Floor, Unismuh Makassar, served as a strategic platform bringing together academics, researchers, and students to discuss the latest developments in geospatial technology in supporting sustainable landscape management.
This guest lecture is part of the implementation of the Evolving Participatory Information System (EPiSTEM) research conducted by ICRAF. The programme is funded by the BMU International Climate Initiative (IKI), coordinated by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), and in collaboration with the Research Centre for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency (PRE-BRIN) and WRI Indonesia. Through this activity, students were introduced to various innovations in remote sensing technology, geospatial information systems, and nature-based solutions as scientific approaches to addressing climate change challenges and natural resource management.
The event was officially opened with remarks from Director of ICRAF Indonesia (Muhammad Syahrir), Head of the Forestry Study Programme, Unismuh Makassar (Ir. Jauhar Mukti, S.Hut., M.Hut., IPM), and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar (Dr. Ir. Andi Khaeriyah, M.Pd., IPU). In their speeches, the leaders emphasised the importance of synergy between universities and international research institutions in strengthening students' capacity to face sustainable development challenges. This collaboration is expected to produce human resources who are adaptive to technological developments while also caring about environmental sustainability.
The main session began with a keynote speech from a BRIN speaker, delivered by Dony Wicaksono, under the theme "Mapping the Future: The Role of Young Generation in Nature-Based Climate Solutions through Mapping and Remote Sensing." The presentation provided insights into the importance of spatial data in supporting effective, evidence-based, and environmentally sustainable landscape governance planning.
The guest lecture became more interactive through the Talk Show "Mapping Technology for the Future of Indonesian Landscapes", featuring speakers from ICRAF, BRIN, and the Karsa Bentala community. The discussion was dynamic, with students actively asking questions about the use of remote sensing technology, digital mapping innovations, and opportunities for young people to engage in developing nature-based climate solutions. Participants were also introduced to the LUMA (Land Use Mapping for All) platform through a live demonstration, as one of the technological innovations supporting spatial data collection and visualisation.
In addition to academic discussions, the event was made engaging through an interactive quiz using Slido, the promotion of a Mapping Contest themed "#CeritaDiBalikPeta: Mapping Innovation for Nature-Based Climate Solutions", and an Ideathon session that provided a space for students to present creative ideas in developing geospatial innovations. These activities served as collaborative learning tools that encouraged creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills among students in addressing various environmental issues.
This international guest lecture was attended by approximately 180 participants from various universities in South Sulawesi, including Universitas Hasanuddin, Universitas Bosowa, Universitas Islam Makassar, Universitas Negeri Makassar, UIN Alauddin Makassar, Universitas Muslim Maros, Universitas Indonesia Timur, as well as the academic community of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar. The participation of various institutions reflects the high enthusiasm for developing the capacity of the younger generation in geospatial, forestry, and landscape management fields.
The Head of the Forestry Study Programme at Unismuh Makassar, Ir. Jauhar Mukti, S.Hut., M.Hut., IPM, stated that this activity is part of the study programme's commitment to expanding international cooperation networks while strengthening the implementation of a curriculum that is adaptive to scientific and technological developments. Through collaboration with ICRAF, students are expected to gain broader learning experiences, understand best practices in landscape management, and be encouraged to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in climate action, protection of terrestrial ecosystems, and global partnerships.
Through the EPISTEM Goes to Campus event, the Forestry Study Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar, reaffirms its commitment as a higher education institution actively building collaborations with international research institutions to produce graduates who are excellent, innovative, and capable of addressing natural resource management challenges in the digital era. This activity is expected to be the beginning of broader research, education, and community service collaborations between Unismuh Makassar and ICRAF in the future.
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