PELAKITA.ID – Makassar, Indonesia – The Faculty of Forestry at Hasanuddin University (Unhas), through its International Forestry Student Association (IFSA) Local Committee, has been entrusted to host the International Forestry Students Symposium (IFSS) 2025, one of the most prestigious gatherings of forestry students worldwide.
The opening ceremony was held on Monday, August 25, at the Faculty of Forestry Auditorium, Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.
“We are honored to host this international meeting that unites young foresters from around the globe with the same passion for forestry and sustainability. This symposium is a significant step to strengthen connections among youth, governments, and professionals on a global scale,” Prof. Syamsu said.
Forestry as the Foundation of Sustainability
In his remarks, Prof. Syamsu stressed that forestry is more than an academic field; it is a foundation for sustainable development. Forests play strategic roles in productivity, protection, and conservation—ensuring both ecological and economic balance.
He also highlighted South Sulawesi’s unique natural treasures, including a 44,000-hectare karst landscape stretching across Maros, Pangkep, Barru, and Bone. Recognized as the world’s second-largest karst region, it hosts extraordinary biodiversity. In addition, South Sulawesi’s vast mangrove forests safeguard coastal ecosystems and support community livelihoods.
“Forestry is not just about trees—it is about life itself. It connects livelihoods, energy, and ecosystem protection. Here in South Sulawesi, delegates will see that forestry is part of a larger system sustaining our shared future,” Prof. Syamsu concluded.
A Global Student Gathering
The International Forestry Students Symposium (IFSS) is an annual global agenda where students from diverse countries exchange knowledge, share cultural perspectives, and develop collaborative solutions to pressing forestry challenges.
This year’s IFSS gathers 85 participants from 21 countries, with activities spanning 14 days from August 25 to September 7, 2025.
The program includes field visits to key forestry and conservation sites in Jakarta, Bogor, Yogyakarta, Makassar, Maros, and Takalar, offering delegates firsthand experiences of Indonesia’s forestry landscapes and challenges.
Indonesia at the Heart of Global Forestry Dialogue
By hosting IFSS 2025, Hasanuddin University not only strengthens its international academic reputation but also places Indonesia—and particularly South Sulawesi—at the heart of global forestry dialogue.
With its diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to mangroves and karst landscapes, Indonesia provides a living laboratory where global students and experts can learn, collaborate, and imagine new pathways toward sustainability.