Strengthening Global Academic Partnerships: UGM and Utrecht University’s Staff Exchange Program

Since January 7, 2025, two lecturers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Indonesia, Dr. Erlis Saputra and Dr. Ari Susanti, have been participating in a staff exchange program with the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences in the Netherlands.

As part of the program, various activities were organized, including the SGPL-IDS Seminars (see pictures)held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. These seminars provided PhD students from the International Development Studies (IDS) section in Indonesia with the opportunity to present their research and connect with faculty and students at Utrecht University. The presentations covered diverse topics related to sustainable development and urban planning.

During the seminars, three PhD students from the Forest City Research Consortium presented their work: Vandy shared his research on water governance, focusing on policies that promote fair access to water. Rizky discussed his work on energy provision, exploring strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable energy. Agung presented his study on food sovereignty, examining how the development of Indonesia’s new capital city impacts food policies and sovereignty.

In addition, other PhD students presented their research: Daniel discussed his work on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Jakarta, highlighting its effects on public health. Octaviani shared her study on transportation in Yogyakarta, with a particular focus on improving mobility for the elderly.

The seminars served as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore possibilities for future collaboration. These activities have strengthened connections between researchers and staff from both institutions. This staff exchange program demonstrates the value of global academic partnerships in addressing shared challenges and developing innovative solutions. By working together and sharing expertise, Universitas Gadjah Mada and Utrecht University are fostering a foundation for future collaboration and mutual growth.