A Lively Conference: Faculty of Law Hosts 13 International Experts
The Faculty of Law at Unissula welcomed 13 experts from five continents. The scholars attended the International Conference and Call for Papers. Dean Dr Jawade Hafidz SH MH said the event was part of the faculty's anniversary programme.
He added that the core of the event concerned climate change, biodiversity and the law: how to address the global environmental crisis, human rights, and the management of resources for sustainable development.
"These issues concern the survival of humanity on this earth. With input from the experts at this international conference, we will arrive at solutions to be conveyed to the government and to state institutions," he said on Wednesday (18/6/2025).
The Rector of Unissula, Prof Dr Gunarto SH MH, said the event was part of efforts to widen scholarly collaboration across countries and disciplines in responding to global challenges. "Climate change is now an urgent reality. Its effects are already being felt. Many institutions working on this issue warn that more than a million species are threatened with extinction as a result of environmental degradation," he explained.
In his view the crisis is multidimensional, encompassing ecological, social, economic and human rights dimensions. A legal approach that is responsive, preventive and value-based is therefore essential. Concepts such as ecocentric law and the rights of nature can inspire the development of more progressive environmental law.
As an educational institution grounded in Islamic values, Unissula regards protection of the environment as part of a moral and spiritual responsibility. Values such as khalīfah fil ardh — stewardship of the earth — are an important foundation in shaping graduates oriented towards sustainability.
"Unissula opens space for collaboration in environmental law, human rights, resource governance, and the integration of Islamic values into sustainable development," he explained.
The climate crisis also directly affects the fulfilment of people's basic rights, especially among vulnerable groups. This calls for environmental justice to be integrated into the legal system and public policy.
Also present were the YBWSA patron, Drs H Azhar Combo, and the Chair of YBWSA, Prof Dr Bambang Tri Bawono SH MH.
Cooperation
The event continued with the signing of cooperation between the Rector of Unissula and the Rector of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, as well as a Memorandum of Agreement between the Dean of the Faculty of Law and the Dean of the Faculty of Sharia at Applied Science Private University, Jordan.
The event also featured a Call for Papers, which attracted more than 263 articles from Indonesia and abroad.
Among the speakers were Dr Nina Indrawati SH MHum, representing the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia; Prof Henning Glaser, Director of CP Germany; Prof Dr Atta Abdel Aaty El-Sonbaty of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Al-Azhar University; and Prof Tajudden Sanni of Villa College, Malé, Maldives, and the United Kingdom.
Also speaking were Prof Sanne Akerboom of Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Prof Vu Cong Giao of the National University of Hanoi; Prof Gerrit Hendrik Addink of Utrecht University; Prof Simon Butt of the University of Sydney, Australia; Prof Heemoon Jo of Hankuk University, South Korea; Prof Christopher J Johnstone of the University of Minnesota, United States; and Dr Arida Turymshayeva of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.