Global Scholars Gather at Unhas to Shape Commons Governance Ahead of IASC 2027

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Global researchers and academics converged at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday, June 8, 2026, to explore sustainable resource governance, setting the stage for the 21st Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) in 2027.

The gathering, part of a pre-conference series, drew participants from Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, and Indonesia, including scholars, students, and institutional representatives.

Unhas forestry professor Forest Muhammad Alif K. Sahide explained that the concept of “commons” extends far beyond forests, encompassing resources collectively managed by communities such as mangroves, coastal waters, public health, and social systems.

“This conference does not focus on a single discipline. It brings together diverse perspectives to understand the relationship between people, the environment, and shared resources,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Delegates from institutions including Unhas, IPB University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Mataram, and the University of Hawai‘i joined discussions on preparations for the IASC 2027, scheduled for June 21–25 in South Sulawesi.

The province was chosen for its rich ecosystems and community-based resource management practices, which have attracted international academic interest. Field visits will complement the scientific sessions, allowing participants to observe local practices firsthand.

Unhas Rector Jamaluddin Jompa emphasized the growing importance of commons governance amid climate change, environmental degradation, and the push for sustainable development.

He noted that hosting IASC 2027 offers Unhas not only an academic platform but also an opportunity to showcase South Sulawesi as a “global learning laboratory” for resource management.

The biennial IASC conference, organized by the International Association for the Study of the Commons, serves as a leading forum for examining how communities worldwide manage shared resources.

For Indonesia, the event highlights the value of cross-border collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing pressing environmental challenges. ***