The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again hosted a guest lecture event that brought together both international and national perspectives in the field of sustainable agriculture. The event took place on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 08:00 to 09:30 AM (WIB) at the Venture Room, Agrotopica Learning Center (AGLC) Building, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
The lecture featured Saba Sinai Mameghany from Central Queensland University, Australia, who delivered a presentation titled “Protecting and Growing Australian Agriculture.” In her talk, Saba discussed the challenges and strategies in Australian agriculture in the face of climate change, land degradation, and innovations in biosecurity aimed at safeguarding national food security.
Saba emphasized that collaboration among farmers, researchers, and the government is essential to develop environmentally friendly, efficient, and resilient agricultural practices in response to global dynamics.
Complementing the international session, the lecture also featured a presentation by Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D. from Universitas Gadjah Mada, titled “Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia: Facts and Challenge.” Prof. Irfan discussed the state of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia from the perspectives of policy, field practices, and systemic challenges still faced, such as dependence on chemical inputs, land degradation, and unequal access to technology.
The event was attended by lecturers and students from the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, along with other academic members who enthusiastically engaged in the cross-perspective discussion. Participants warmly welcomed the insights from both speakers, which offered a comparative understanding of agricultural conditions in Australia and Indonesia, and inspired adaptive and context-based solutions.
An interactive discussion session served as a key part of the event, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers, enriching their academic experience through applicable global and local insights.
Through this guest lecture, the Department of Agricultural Microbiology at UGM reaffirmed its commitment to providing higher education that is open, collaborative, and responsive to sustainability issues in the agricultural sector. This activity also contributes to the Faculty of Agriculture’s awareness and commitment to achieving the global goals of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Roihana Ifa Kamalia