Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) Tropical–Polar Interconnection Research Group (TPIRG) convened a hybrid discussion on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, with Professor Caleb Gardner of the University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia, to explore prospects for collaborative research bridging tropical and polar scientific domains. During the session, TPIRG presented its institutional background and recent progress as a newly established interdisciplinary research group dedicated to examining the interconnections between tropical ecosystems and polar regions. Established in February 2026, TPIRG brings together scholars from a wide range of disciplines with the aim of strengthening institutional engagement in polar research. read more

The Tropical–Polar Interconnection Research Group of Universitas Gadjah Mada hosted a strategic meeting with Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) and the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC) on 6–7 May 2026, marking an important milestone in strengthening Indonesia’s international collaboration in polar and climate research.

Held as part of ongoing efforts to expand scientific cooperation on tropical–polar interconnections, the forum brought together researchers, policymakers, and international partners to discuss collaborative opportunities in climate science, Antarctic research, biodiversity, and environmental monitoring. read more

Ezra Timothy Nugroho, a young researcher and alumnus of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) class of 2023, has just completed a historic scientific expedition in East Antarctica. Representing the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania, Ezra joined 22 multinational scientists on the Cook Ice Ecosystems and Sediments (COOKIES) 2026 voyage

Ezra’s passion for genetic research began during his undergraduate studies at UGM, where he used environmental DNA (eDNA) from the Code River, Yogyakarta, to detect fish species. This interest led him to pursue a Master’s degree at IMAS, focusing on sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) from Antarctic waters. His hard work connected him with his supervisor, Dr. Linda Armbrecht, who invited him to join this Antarctic voyage to collect samples for his upcoming PhD research. read more

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. read more

An Indonesian delegation comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a Strategic Study Visit to Argentina and Chile from November 1 to 11, 2025. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s planned involvement in Antarctic governance, while also exploring opportunities to enhance national capacity through scientific diplomacy and polar research cooperation.

The Antarctic region, widely regarded as a barometer of global climate change, is considered to hold significant importance for Indonesia as the world’s largest tropical archipelagic nation and one that is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Indonesia also recognizes that its capacity and experience in managing tropical environments can serve as a meaningful contribution to efforts aimed at the preservation and conservation of the Antarctic region. read more

A lecturer from the Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UGM, together with the Head of UGM’s Strategic Management Bureau, Wirastuti Widyatmanti, Ph.D., joined the Indonesian Delegation (Delri) led by the Directorate of the Americas and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The delegation also involved representatives from Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The activities, which took place from September 28 to October 4, 2025, were held in Copenhagen (Denmark), Tromsø, and Oslo (Norway). The agenda aimed to discuss Indonesia’s opportunity to obtain Observer status on the Arctic Council. read more

Gerry Utama, an alumnus of the Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Geography UGM), class of 2011, has been awarded by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) as the youngest Indonesian to explore the Antarctic continent at the age of 30. The recognition was granted for his role in the 69th Russian Antarctic Expedition organized by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI). The award ceremony took place at the MURI office in Jakarta on Monday, Sep. 22, 2025.

The 69th Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) is a research program regularly conducted by AARI, headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Utama explained that his participation in the Antarctic expedition was part of the curriculum offered during his master’s studies in Quaternary Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, where he is also pursuing his doctoral program.

This remarkable achievement by the UGM alumnus from Musi Banyuasin, South Sumatra, marks a historic milestone as he became the first person from Indonesia and Asia to gain access to a research program conducted by the Russian government.

“It was a great moment, coinciding with the 74th anniversary of Indonesia-Russia diplomatic relations,” said Utama, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.

According to him, the opportunity provided by Saint Petersburg State University was crucial, as such chances are rarely given, particularly since Indonesia has yet to ratify the Antarctic Treaty, an important instrument that allows countries to be fully involved in Antarctic exploration.

He also highlighted the extreme conditions he faced during the expedition, including working in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius and adapting to the shifting time zones, which were determined by the ship’s activities and the operational schedule of Russian Antarctic stations.

During the expedition, Utama contributed to the development of a geomorphological map of King George Island and discovered a fossilized piece of wood estimated to be around 130 million years old.

“This finding provides evidence that Antarctica was once covered with lush green vegetation in the distant past,” he explained.

One of his most memorable experiences, Utama recalled, was his first landing at Mirny Station, the first Antarctic research station established by the Russian government on the continent of Antarctica.

“It was a significant moment, witnessing how meticulously the mobilization was organized aboard the Akademik Tryoshnikov vessel that carried us to Antarctica,” said Utama.

Utama emphasized that the recognition serves as motivation and an essential consensus for Indonesia’s future involvement in Antarctic exploration.

He hopes this achievement will inspire Indonesian researchers to actively participate in Antarctic studies, which play a crucial role in global climate change research.

Moreover, Indonesia is seen as having the potential to become the ASEAN hub for Antarctic research by taking concrete steps toward polar studies, particularly in Antarctica.

For Utama, the MURI record serves as an encouragement not only for himself but also for other Indonesian researchers.

“Personally, I will continue my doctoral studies and advance the research I have been working on to be fully involved in Antarctic exploration. Antarctic research is highly significant, especially in connecting Antarctic data with tropical regions such as Indonesia, providing comprehensive and robust analyses that are essential for advancing the field of geography,” he said.

He also encouraged students and young researchers with similar aspirations to start building habits that support their dreams, such as waking up early, exercising, and maintaining physical fitness.

“As researchers, we are not only required to be knowledgeable, but in the case of Antarctic studies, we must also be physically strong to withstand icy conditions,” he concluded.

Author: UGM Public Relations

Source: https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-alumnus-sets-muri-record-as-indonesias-youngest-antarctic-explorer/

Gerry Utama is an alumnus of the Faculty of Geography, UGM, class of 2011, who currently works at the Institute of Earth Sciences, Saint Petersburg State University, and the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in Russia. In his presentation for a public lecture titled “Exploration in Antarctica: Making History and Building Global Research for Indonesia,” he highlighted the importance of Antarctica for Indonesia, not only in a geopolitical context, but also from scientific and technological perspectives. “Antarctica holds a great deal of information about the history of the Earth that remains remarkably intact, like a vast memory or hard drive that has not yet been fully uncovered,” he said. He further emphasized Antarctica’s role as a center for scientific research, particularly in the context of global climate change. “Antarctica is not only a unique region with an extreme climate, but it also holds important data related to Earth’s history in a remarkably preserved state, making it an invaluable research hub,” he added. read more

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has reaffirmed its role in advancing Indonesia’s presence on the international stage through the achievements of two of its alumni, Gerry Utama and Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan, both of whom have been involved in research expeditions to Antarctica. UGM Rector Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., expressed her appreciation upon receiving both alumni in an audience on Monday (3/2). She regarded their achievements as not only a source of pride, but also as an inspiration for Indonesian scientists. read more

Earning international recognition is a dream for any researcher, and this is precisely what Gerry Utama is working toward. This aspiration aligns closely with UGM’s vision and mission to continuously support the potential of its extended academic family. One concrete step in this direction was taken when Rector Ova Emilia received Gerry at the Rector’s Office on January 22, 2024, and committed to continuing to support his endeavors going forward.

As a follow-up to that meeting, UGM’s Strategic Management Bureau organized a meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in the UGM Rector’s Room, attended by a number of prominent academics and researchers alongside Gerry. This meeting marked one of the initial steps toward formulating a strategy for Indonesia to move forward in joining the Antarctic Treaty and engaging in international collaboration. read more