Demonstrating a tangible commitment to environmental preservation, the UGM Swimming Club (SIGMA) joined forces with SPARTA, the Moot Court Organization of UGM’s Faculty of Law, in a community service event at the Baros Mangrove Conservation Area in Bantul, Yogyakarta. The event, held on May 17, 2025, focused on two core activities: an environmental seminar and a hands-on mangrove planting session. The event sought to raise ecological awareness and promote proactive conservation efforts among students.
Idris Bayu, President of SIGMA UGM, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “We want to increase awareness and encourage our peers to care more deeply about the environment, especially in the vital mangrove ecosystems of Baros.”
The day began with an interactive environmental seminar titled “Protecting Water, Sustaining Life,” led by William Alexander, a UGM student specializing in Environmental Law. The session highlighted global and local water pollution issues and presented actionable solutions, drawing connections between legal frameworks and environmental responsibility.
Participants also received a briefing on the unique mangrove ecosystem along the Opak River and its significance as both a biodiversity hotspot and a natural barrier against coastal erosion. Rico Sebrian, a local conservation leader, underscored the area’s ecological richness, citing more than 400 bird species, with egrets being the most populous species.
In the second half of the event, students took part in planting Rhizophora mangroves along the western edge of the Baros mangrove area. Following proper conservation protocols, participants dug planting holes, installed wooden supports, and tied the young saplings to withstand tidal currents.
According to Dimas, a long-time local resident, Baros’ mangrove reforestation began in 2003 as a response to coastal abrasion. “At first, the mangroves were planted to protect farmland from saltwater intrusion. But over time, the benefits multiplied. Now, Baros is both a tourist attraction and an educational site managed by the local community,” he explained.
This collaborative effort showcased how students can become agents of environmental change. More than just planting trees, the event symbolized the planting of awareness and the growth of long-term commitment to ecological sustainability. Through education and action, UGM students continue to advocate for a greener, more resilient future. read more

The vibrant coral reefs of Karimunjawa once again played host to a milestone in the legacy of UKM Selam UGM (UGM Dive Club), as the student diving unit conducted its 35th Open Water Training (Latihan Perairan Terbuka/LPT XXXV), a pinnacle event that marks both the culmination of training and a vital step toward certification for aspiring divers.

Held from May 11 to 15, 2025, this year’s LPT was more than a certification program. It was a rite of passage for the new divers, blending hands-on learning with deep appreciation for Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. The event welcomed 47 student trainees, guided by four instructors, including two distinguished alumni, who will lead them through their first journey into the underwater world. read more

The U-FOLUNTEER activity is the initiation of the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) of the UGM Photography Student Activity Unit (UFO) in the context of community service. This time, U-FOLUNTEER was held on Monday, December 16, 2024 with the aim of increasing the awareness of UFO UGM members to environmental issues around the community and trying to support education for children in coastal areas.  With the theme “Cleaning the Beach and Donating Books for Children”, UFO UGM collaborates with Garduaction based on the similarity of the vision and mission of this year’s U-FOLUNTEER service, namely the waste problem. read more

One of the prestigious events in the national chess world, the Rector Cup UGM 2024 Championship, has been successfully held on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The competition was organized by UGM Chess Student Activity Unit at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM Building.

“This championship is a form of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to encourage the birth of talented chess athletes at the national level. We want to provide space for chess athletes from various backgrounds to show their abilities,” said Mugiyarto, SIP., as the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Activities. read more