The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), presented global insights in the fields of geology and geophysics through the UI Geoscience Seminar STARBORN MENGAJAR X SEG UI SC 2026 themed “Geoscientist without Borders.” The event was held on Monday, 2 February 2026, at the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok.
The seminar was organized by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists Universitas Indonesia Student Chapter (SEG UI SC), an internationally oriented student organization that focuses on developing students’ competencies, networking, and global perspectives in the field of geophysics through various academic activities, seminars, training programs, and community service initiatives.
The event was attended by 80 students from the Geology and Geophysics Study Programs of FMIPA UI. The program opened with remarks from the Master of Ceremony, followed by an opening address by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si.
In his remarks, Prof. Tito emphasized that international seminars are part of FMIPA UI’s efforts to promote the internationalization of education and research, as well as to strengthen students’ global perspectives.
“Through the UI Geoscience Seminar, FMIPA UI continues to promote the internationalization of education and research by presenting global perspectives to students. We hope that students will not only excel academically, but also possess international insight, cross-cultural collaboration skills, and readiness to contribute as geoscientists at the global level in addressing humanitarian challenges,” said Prof. Tito.
The next segment of the program featured a session on the explanation of the UIGS course, delivered by Agus Riyanto, S.Si., M.Si. In this session, participants received a detailed overview of the lecture system, attendance mechanisms, student assignments, weekly discussion topics, and the assessment system to be implemented throughout the course.
The event then continued with the main seminar session moderated by Anne Meylani Magdalena Sirait, Ph.D. In this session, Robert K. Merrill presented material on the role of geoscience in addressing various humanitarian challenges through the Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) program.
Merrill explained the mission and scope of GWB in supporting various humanitarian efforts, including disaster mitigation, the provision of clean water and sanitation, food security, and environmental and cultural conservation. He also presented several examples of GWB projects in various countries, including Indonesia, demonstrating the application of geophysical and geological methods to enhance community resilience to disasters. In addition, the speaker emphasized the importance of mastering both technical and non-technical skills for geoscientists in carrying out sustainable humanitarian projects.
Following the presentation session, the event continued with a question-and-answer session. Participants were actively engaged, raising questions regarding community involvement in GWB programs, the implementation of GWB activities with a focus on water pollution, and various aspects that need to be considered in designing a series of GWB activities. During this session, the speaker also presented appreciation gifts to participants who demonstrated active participation throughout the seminar.
This activity was part of FMIPA UI’s efforts to expand the role of geoscience at the global level while equipping students with international insight and a strong awareness of humanitarian issues.
