Around 120 researchers from 19 countries, including Australia, China, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, and several countries across the Americas and Europe, attended the Pedometrics 2026 International Conference at the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, Bali, from 14–18 September 2026. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Inter University Center for Excellence (PUAPT) Working Group Soil Security, hosted the conference. In collaboration with the University of Sydney, this Pedometrics conference was held in Southeast Asia for the first time.
The conference carried the theme “Pedometrics in Climate Change Research: Intelligence, Integration, and Innovation in Soil Science.” Alexandre Wadoux, Chair of the Pedometrics Commission of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), noted that the theme is highly relevant to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. He expressed his hope that the conference would serve as a forum for discussing new methods, datasets, and applications in soil science, while also opening up new possibilities for future research in the field.
In responding to the challenges of global land governance caused by climate change, the Dean of the Faculty of Geography at UGM, Prof. Muhammad Kamal, S.Si., M.GIS., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of cutting-edge integration between soil science, geography, and remote sensing technology. Through PUAPT UGM Working Group on Soil Security, the university positions itself as a pioneer of innovation in this field, not merely a facilitator. This leadership is exemplified by the Soil Security Working Group, which actively drives strategic research agendas related to land and water management, climate adaptation, regional development, and carbon assessment. This innovation portfolio is designed in alignment with the institution’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
As a concrete manifestation of research dissemination, the Pedometrics 2026 forum serves as a platform for UGM’s PUAPT to translate scientific expertise into the foundation for national and global policies. The coordinator of PUAPT UGM and chair of Pedometrics 2026, Wirastuti Widyatmanti, S.Si., Ph.D., emphasized: “This initiative is part of UGM’s efforts to strengthen its role in the global research ecosystem and open up more opportunities for Indonesian researchers to connect with the international academic community.” To realize this vision, UGM is consolidating cross-sectoral collaborations that bring together the academic, government, and industrial sectors. This is evidenced by the participation of key figures such as Dr. Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ni Luh Kartini from Udayana University, and Joseph Sudiro representing the Pertamina Foundation. This strategic partnership with experts from 19 countries is aimed at establishing a consortium for advanced research, commercializing geospatial technology, and increasing UGM’s access to international research funding.
From September 14–18, participants took part in a variety of activities, such as the presentation of research findings—both oral and poster presentations—pre-conference training (workshops), a gala dinner, and a field trip. The conference featured nine keynote speakers: three from Indonesia (the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Udayana University, and the Pertamina Foundation), as well as six researchers specializing in soil science from various countries. The event concluded with a field trip on September 18, organized in collaboration with Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha) and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), to Mount Batur, Besakih Temple, the Mount Agung Observation Post, Mount Kawi, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
The conference was supported by PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (SMART), PT Paragon Technology and Innovation, the Pertamina Foundation, and Stellarvision. Pedometrics 2026 also collaborated with the European Journal of Soil Science (EJSS), Soil Advances, and Jurnal Sains Tanah as its journal partners.
Hosting Pedometrics 2026 represents a major step toward expanding scientific networks on the international stage. This event also demonstrates that UGM remains committed to developing the networks established through this conference into sustainable research collaborations with partners from various countries.