Yogyakarta, December 17, 2025 — The International Office of the Center for Developing Cooperation and International Affairs (CDCIA), UIN Sunan Kalijaga, successfully organized the International Public Lecture Series 2, conducted in English. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Khaled Chetehouna from INSA Centre Val de Loire, France, and Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., a lecturer from the Department of Social Welfare(IKS), UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

The public lecture addressed the theme of Fire Forest Studies and the Qur’anic Perspective on Environmental Conservation, integrating scientific approaches to forest fire management with Islamic ethnoecological values. The event was attended by more than 50 students from various study programs, including students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) as well as other UIN Sunan Kalijaga students.

The event was officially opened by Asih Melati, M.Sc., Ph.D., representing the Chair of CDCIA. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of integrating science and religion, stating that meaningful awareness can only be achieved when both disciplines are interconnected.

“Science and religion should not stand separately. When they are integrated, they foster deeper awareness and responsibility toward humanity and the environment,” she stated.

In the first session, Prof. Khaled Chetehouna, a respected scholar with more than 15 years of experience in fire forest studies, explained the characteristics of forest fires in Indonesia. He highlighted that many forest fires in Indonesia are classified as ground fires, which spread rapidly beneath the surface. However, he noted that such fires can be effectively controlled through suppression strategies conducted from mountainous areas down toward trenches and lower fire paths.

The second session was delivered by Muhammad Izul Haq, Ph.D., widely known as Gus Izul, who presented the Qur’anic perspective on environmental protection through an Islamic ethnoecological approach. He emphasized the concept of human beings as khalifah (stewards) on Earth, entrusted with the responsibility to maintain environmental balance and minimize ecological destruction.

“Humans are not the rulers of nature, but its guardians. A closer relationship with nature will cultivate a stronger commitment to sustainability and ecological balance,” he explained.

The lecture was moderated by Dr. Eka Sulistiyowati, M.A., who is well known for her strong commitment to ecosystem preservation and environmental sustainability. The discussion was highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from the audience through questions and reflections.

Through this international public lecture, CDCIA UIN Sunan Kalijaga reaffirmed its commitment to promoting global academic dialogue that integrates science, religion, and environmental issues, contributing to broader efforts toward sustainable development at both national and international levels.