PELAKITA.ID – Hasanuddin University (Unhas), through its Faculty of Vocational Studies, plays a vital role in organizing The 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) 2025, which carries the theme “Harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability, Resilience, and Technology Innovation.”
This prestigious conference is organized by the Indonesian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS/MAPIN) in collaboration with the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS), and supported by numerous national and international institutions engaged in remote sensing and geospatial studies.
The opening ceremony took place at The Rinra Hotel in Makassar on Monday (October 27) and will continue until October 31, 2025.
Hasanuddin University, through its Faculty of Vocational Studies, serves as one of the main hosts for this international-scale event.
The ACRS 2025 conference brings together more than 300 participants from 17 countries, including experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who contribute to the global advancement of remote sensing and geospatial technologies.
Several world-renowned figures also attended the opening session to deliver remarks and presentations.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ilham Alimuddin, S.T., M.GIS., Ph.D., Chair of the 46th ACRS, emphasized that holding the event in Makassar serves as a space for international collaboration that bridges science, technology, and culture.
“This event is more than just a scientific meeting; it is a significant moment in building a sustainable remote sensing ecosystem for the future,” said Ilham.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Kohei Cho, Secretary General of AARS, highlighted Indonesia’s important role in the history of ACRS.
“Indonesia has twice hosted ACRS — in 1987 in Jakarta and in 2013 in Bali. Now, Makassar becomes part of that important legacy. We are excited to share and discuss various topics related to remote sensing and its applications for global sustainability,” he explained.
Also delivering remarks, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Heipke, representative of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), described the conference as a key platform for cross-organizational collaboration worldwide.
“ACRS provides an excellent forum to address critical issues in remote sensing and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Congratulations on the successful organization of this event,” he said.
Representing the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Ir. Sumbangan Baja, M.Phil., Ph.D., Secretary of Hasanuddin University, reaffirmed Unhas’ commitment to advancing remote sensing technology.
“Several study programs at Unhas have already integrated spatial and remote sensing technologies into their research and academic publications. We believe remote sensing holds the key to building a better and more sustainable life,” stated Prof. Sumbangan.
He added that Makassar, as a coastal city with strong cultural heritage and rich biodiversity, is an ideal location for the application of remote sensing technologies.
“Makassar is a safe city, rich in cultural heritage, and represents local wisdom that blends with global innovation. Its geographic diversity makes it a living laboratory perfectly suited for remote sensing applications,” he added.
The ACRS 2025 features a wide range of topics, including:
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General Remote Sensing
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Applications of Remote Sensing
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Emerging Technologies
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Geospatial Data Integration
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This conference is expected to serve as a key moment to strengthen scientific networks and international collaboration, while reaffirming Indonesia’s—particularly Hasanuddin University’s—position as an active member of the global community in advancing remote sensing and geospatial technologies toward a sustainable future.