The Master of Law (MIH) Program at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, will once again host The 3rd International Postgraduate Students Conference (INGRACE) on November 6–7, 2025. INGRACE 2025 is part of the MIH UGM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its academic contributions to the agenda of ecological and economic justice amid ever-changing global dynamics. This year, the conference will focus on the theme “Toward Ecological and Economic Justice in a Transitional Era: The Role of Law in Maintaining Balance,” a theme that reflects the urgency of the law’s role in navigating the acceleration of technological transformation, climate change, and rising socioeconomic inequalities. Through this forum, MIH UGM reaffirmed its role as a center for legal thought that consistently promotes interdisciplinary and inclusive approaches.
The participants’ enthusiasm was evident from the more than 120 registrations received, including 11 international participants from Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, as well as Indonesian students currently studying in Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Following the selection process, a total of 89 participants took part both in-person and online. This diversity reinforces INGRACE’s position as an academic platform that fosters cross-national and interdisciplinary collaboration, in line with the spirit of global partnership under SDG 17. The presence of speakers from diverse backgrounds—including international academics, environmental law practitioners, economists, agrarian advocates, and migrant worker rights activists—further underscores MIH UGM’s efforts to bring together diverse perspectives in building a more responsive legal framework.
Two plenary sessions provided a forum for in-depth exploration of the conference’s main themes. The first session, moderated by Dr. Sartika Intaning Pradhani, addressed ecological justice through Dr. Sroyon Mukherjee’s explanation of a new theoretical paradigm, Dr. Mas Achmad Santosa’s presentation on the direction of institutional reform, and Dewi Kartika’s perspective on the vital role of agrarian rights and indigenous communities in safeguarding environmental sustainability.
The second session, moderated by Dr. Rangga A. Dachlan shifted the focus to the issue of economic justice in the transition era, featuring Rimawan Pradiptyo’s perspective on sustainable economic models, Dr. Mahatma Windrawan Inantha’s elaboration on sustainability standards in the palm oil industry, Iweng Karsiwen’s firsthand experience regarding the grassroots economy and the rights of migrant workers, and Sri Wiyanti Eddyono’s analysis of inclusive legal reform based on GEDSI.
These two sessions demonstrated how the law plays a strategic role in maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and the fulfillment of the rights of vulnerable labor groups in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) were addressed through a focus on ecological justice, environmental governance, and climate change. Discussions regarding legal institutional reform, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting vulnerable groups support SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Perspectives on sustainable economics, market justice, and the protection of migrant workers reflect contributions to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). On the other hand, the equality dimension in GEDSI-based legal reform strengthens the implementation of SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
A series of parallel discussions organized into 10 subthemes highlighted the breadth of the issues addressed, ranging from digital transformation and data governance, environmental economic instruments, ecological democracy and the constitution, sustainability in the food industry, the role of corporations in social and environmental responsibility, the protection of vulnerable groups, to developments in international law addressing environmental disparities and degradation. More than 70 papers presented at this conference have enriched the body of legal research in Indonesia and underscored the contribution of MIH UGM in advancing a legal discourse that is adaptive to the challenges of the 21st century.
At the closing ceremony, the conference presented awards for Best Paper and Best Presenter, as well as academic awards as a form of support for more inclusive access to higher education, particularly for participants from developing countries, 3T regions, and minority groups. This effort aligns with MIH UGM’s commitment to expanding access to equitable and transformative legal education.
Through the organization of INGRACE 2025, MIH UGM reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening interdisciplinary research, expanding international academic networks, and promoting the development of a legal framework that supports sustainable development. This conference serves not only as a forum for exchanging ideas but also as a reminder that the role of law in addressing global uncertainty must be increasingly inclusive, justice-based, and future-oriented. With this spirit, MIH UGM continues to strengthen its position as an institution that plays an active role in shaping the direction of national and international legal reform for a more just and sustainable future.
Author: Organizing Committee of The 3rd International Postgraduate Students Conference (INGRACE)
