PALANGKA RAYA, INDONESIA – On December 16, 2025, the University of Palangka Raya (UPR) hosted a landmark socialization event to disseminate a collaborative research partnership focused on sustainable forest management at the PT Pagatan Usaha Makmur (PT PUM) concession.
The event, held at the UPR Center for Development of Science, Technology and Peatland Innovation (PPIIG) Meeting Room, brought together academic researchers, conservationists, and industry leaders to strengthen the bridge between scientific inquiry and field-based forest conservation.
Strengthening Research Capacity and Adaptive Management
The partnership is driven by the PLUM Project, a collaborative initiative designed to create a shared understanding of how academic and private sectors can work together. During the session, Agnes Ferisa, M.Sc., representing the Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF), emphasized that the outreach is more than just a formal meeting; it is a catalyst for academic growth.
“Through this building research partnership outreach program, the PLUM Project seeks to build a shared understanding of collaborations that can strengthen the research capacity of students and lecturers,” said Ferisa. “We are providing the scientific evidence needed for more adaptive forest management. This outreach also serves as a first step in communicating research opportunities, funding schemes, joint supervision mechanisms, and access to leading research sites.”
Building a Legacy of Young Researchers
The Director of PPIIG UPR, Hendrik Segah, Ph.D., expressed high appreciation for the initiative, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to lead in peatland innovation. He highlighted that the collaboration is essential for identifying talented faculties and students whose interests align with the urgent needs of peatland conservation.
“This activity is very useful in building a long-term network of young Indonesian researchers,” stated Dr. Segah. “By aligning our research themes with the practical needs of peatland management, we ensure that our academic output has a real-world impact on the sustainability of Central Kalimantan’s ecosystems.”
Cross-Disciplinary Engagement
The socialization saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of lecturers and researchers across various disciplines at UPR. The interactive discussions focused on:
- Funding Schemes: Transparent pathways for research grants.
- Joint Supervision: Collaborative mentoring between UPR faculty and BNF/PT PUM experts.
- Site Access: Streamlined protocols for conducting field research within the PT PUM concession.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring that the management of Indonesia’s peat forests is guided by robust, locally-driven scientific data.