ULM’s Graminea Student Association Holds “Suara Meratus” Seminar, Discussing Ecological Justice and Indigenous Conservation
Banjarbaru – The Graminea Student Association (Mapala Graminea) of the Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) demonstrated its concern for environmental and social issues by holding an Environmental Seminar entitled “Suara Meratus” on Friday (July 11, 2025) at the Lerina Inn, Banjarbaru. The seminar raised the theme “From Forests to Rights: Reflections on the Interests of Conservation and Indigenous Communities.”
This event provided an open discussion space for academics, environmentalists, and indigenous community representatives to discuss the conflict between forest conservation and indigenous peoples’ rights, particularly in the Meratus Mountains region. The seminar featured speakers from various backgrounds, including Prof. Dr. Ir. Hesty Heryani, M.Sc., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (ULM), Oktarina Sarare, representing the indigenous community, and Raden Rafiq Sepdian Fadel Wibisono, an environmentalist, presented the presentation.
In her presentation, Prof. Hesty emphasized the importance of education and technology transfer to protect the Meratus Geopark area. She argued that approaches to strengthening human resource capacity, particularly among nature conservation groups like KOMPAS “BORNEO” ULM, must align with the spirit of sustainable development within the Asta Cita (Asta Cita) framework, particularly the 4th Asta Cita.
“Technology capacity-building programs based on eco-innovation can boost South Kalimantan’s Green Economy index, while simultaneously supporting the economy of indigenous communities living in harmony with nature,” she explained.
She also emphasized the need to develop competencies as Geotourism Guide Trainers, which involves understanding the geological and archaeological sites of the Meratus ethnic group. The ability to read interactive maps, GIS, operate drones, and utilize digital technologies such as mobile geopark applications, virtual tours, and augmented reality are part of ULM’s strategy to support technology-based conservation.
The head of the organizing committee, Irza Maulana, stated that this activity aims to increase student and community understanding of the ecological justice approach to environmental conservation.
“We want to build critical awareness of the environmental and social issues occurring in the Meratus Mountains,” he said.
With this activity, Lambung Mangkurat University not only plays an academic role but also encourages active participation in preserving forests and respecting the rights of indigenous communities through an inclusive and equitable approach.
