The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to the internationalization of education through the achievement of Panca Rahadi Mulyo, S.P., a student of the Master of Agricultural Economics (MEP) program, 2024 intake. Panca had the opportunity to join the Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme and undertake joint thesis supervision at Aarhus University, Denmark, for three months from October 2025 to January 2026.
For three months, Panca was placed at the Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, under cross-country and interdisciplinary supervision. He was guided by Dr. Doan Nainggolan (Environmental Economics) and Prof. Peter L. Langen (Climate Modeling), while maintaining intensive coordination with his main supervisor at MEP UGM, Arini Wahyu Utami, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. This collaboration enriched Panca’s thesis research, which examines the relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and natural disasters with macroeconomic conditions.
During his time in Denmark, Panca actively participated in prestigious academic activities, including the iClimate Annual Meeting 2025, an interdisciplinary research forum bringing together scholars from various fields. Panca contributed as a poster presenter, presenting his thesis proposal and receiving constructive feedback. Another activity was Science & Soup, a monthly scientific discussion forum held in an informal setting, strengthening cross-researcher networks while enriching cultural experiences.
Beyond data collection and analysis, Panca also learned the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing climate change issues. He emphasized that international research focuses more on “how your numbers speak” rather than merely fulfilling the classical assumptions of econometric models.
The Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme follows a systematic selection process, starting with the submission of academic documents, English proficiency certificates, and thesis proposals in English, followed by interviews with UGM and Aarhus University. Successful candidates receive a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) as official confirmation.
Panca expressed his gratitude for being part of MEP UGM, noting that the program offers extensive international exposure and opportunities. He encouraged fellow students to be courageous in pursuing similar chances, “Whether accepted or not is another matter. What matters most is that you’ve tried and become part of our academic journey”
This achievement not only strengthens Faperta UGM’s reputation on the international stage but also contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Beny Nabila Happy Fauziah
Editor: Tantriani
Documentation: Panca Rahadi