Yogyakarta, February 12, 2026 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, organized a seminar titled “Indonesia in a Connected Tropical–Polar World” and simultaneously launched the Tropical–Polar Interconnection Research Group. The event served as an academic and policy forum to deepen understanding of the interconnection between tropical and polar regional dynamics and their implications for Indonesia’s national interests.
The polar regions, encompassing both the Arctic and Antarctica, play a strategic role in maintaining the balance of the global climate system. Changes occurring in these regions, such as the melting of ice sheets, shifts in ocean circulation, and atmospheric dynamics, are closely linked to the climate systems of the tropics. For Indonesia as an archipelagic nation, this interconnection has direct implications for rising sea levels, increasing intensity of extreme weather events, and the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and marine resources.
In her opening remarks, UGM Rector Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, Ph.D., affirmed that the changes occurring in the Arctic and Antarctic regions cannot be separated from the challenges faced by Indonesia as an archipelagic and maritime nation. Indonesia therefore needs to take a more active role as a contributor to global scientific knowledge. The Rector also emphasized that the development of a polar studies and research center is a strategic step toward strengthening science diplomacy, evidence-based policy, and Indonesia’s contribution to global climate governance. With its multidisciplinary strengths and extensive international networks, UGM is regarded as being in a strategic position to contribute to the advancement of polar research at both national and regional levels.
In alignment with this view, H.E. Amb. Kamapradipta Isnomo, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia for Social, Cultural, and Human Development Affairs, affirmed that the polar regions play a vital role in maintaining the stability of the global climate system while increasingly occupying a central position in geopolitical dynamics and international governance. Indonesia has the opportunity to engage through scientific cooperation and the strengthening of research networks. He also highlighted the strategic importance of universities, including UGM, in building interdisciplinary research in polar studies, and expressed appreciation for the Polar Studies Center initiative in driving cross-disciplinary research, strengthening academic capacity, and preparing the next generation of experts in this field.
The seminar also featured a number of speakers from diverse diplomatic and academic backgrounds, including the Danish Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Amb. Sten Frimodt Nielsen, the Chilean Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Amb. Mario Ignacio Artaza Loyola, Prof. Indra Overland from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hendra Oktavianus and Andre Omer Siregar, and Ratih Damayanti as Director of Environmental, Maritime, Natural Resources, and Nuclear Policy at BRIN. The speakers addressed strategic issues across two main sessions: “Strategic Importance of Indonesia’s Engagement in Polar Cooperation: A Geopolitical and Diplomatic Perspective” and “Polar Research and Science for the Future of the Global Climate: Indonesia’s Roles and Opportunities.” In the second session, representatives of UGM’s polar research team, namely Nugroho Imam Setiawan, D.Sc., Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, D.Phil., Dr.rer.nat. Riza Yuliratno Setiawan, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Sena Adi Subrata, S.Hut., M.Sc., and Wirastuti Widyatmanti, S.Si., Ph.D., presented studies previously conducted on tropical-polar research, along with the Conceptual Framework of the Tropical–Polar Interconnection Research Group.
Closing the seminar, Prof. Dr. Todung Mulya Lubis, S.H., LL.M., affirmed that the polar regions represent an important example of international governance grounded in science, law, and multilateral cooperation. He emphasized that maintaining the stability, sustainability, and peaceful use of the polar regions requires active engagement from both polar and non-polar states, guided by the principles of climate justice and the close relationship between science and policy. “Today’s discussion reminds us that the future of the tropical and polar regions cannot be separated. Indonesia must continue to position itself not merely as an observer, but as an active contributor to global research, policy dialogue, and international cooperation, particularly on initiatives relating to the polar regions,” he said.
As part of strengthening its academic contribution, UGM on this occasion launched the Tropical–Polar Interconnection Research Group (https://polartropic.wg.ugm.ac.id/), comprising UGM lecturers and researchers with expedition experience in polar regions, a track record of research related to tropical-polar interconnections, and research interests in the interrelated issues of these regions. The presence of this research group is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s knowledge base on tropical-polar relations, foster cross-disciplinary research collaboration, and serve as a model for other Indonesian universities in developing polar studies and research.
Through this seminar and the launch of the research group, UGM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s role in global conversations on polar regions, while building a more robust scientific and policy foundation for Indonesia’s engagement in global climate and environmental governance.
Full Documentation: Documentation of Seminar Polar at 12 Februari 2026