Faculty of Vocational Studies Hosts the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing: Strengthening Academic Cooperation and Global Partnership
The Faculty of Vocational Studies, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) proudly hosted the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS 2025) from 27-31 October 2025, in Makassar, Indonesia. Organized in collaboration with the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS), the Indonesian Society for Remote Sensing (ISRS–MAPIN), and other partners, the conference brought together over 600 delegates from more than 30 countries, including scientists, policymakers, and researchers in the fields of remote sensing, geospatial science, and sustainable development. The opening ceremony, held at The Rinra Hotel, was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sumbangan Baja, representing UNHAS, who emphasized that hosting ACRS 2025 marked an important milestone for UNHAS in promoting global research and academic cooperation.
Distinguished guests included Prof. Kohei Cho of AARS, Prof. Christian Heipke of ISPRS, Dr. Agustan of ISRS, and Dr. Ilham Alimuddin as Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. The Mayor of Makassar, Munafri Arifuddin, welcomed the delegates and highlighted Makassar’s role as a growing maritime innovation hub. In his remarks, Dr. Ilham stated that the conference served as a platform for collaboration and shared purpose, celebrating the spirit of partnership, innovation, and sustainability through science that transcends borders.
As the host, the Faculty of Vocational Studies positioned the ACRS 2025 as a milestone in advancing academic internationalization and strengthening vocational education. The event reflected UNHAS’s strong engagement in global research networks and its commitment to linking education, technology, and industry through applied science. Throughout the five-day program, participants joined plenary sessions, technical presentations, exhibitions, and discussions on topics such as environmental monitoring, digital mapping, maritime observation, and disaster risk reduction. The industry showcase featured prominent organizations such as JAXA, RESTEC, Esri Indonesia, INHA University, and IEEE GRSS, supported by the Makassar City Government and the Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark.
Cultural exchange was also central to the event’s success. The Welcoming Dinner and Cultural Night on 27 October 2025 featured performances from various countries, promoting friendship through cultural expression. A special VIP Cultural Dinner aboard the Phinisi Boat at Losari Beach showcased traditional Makassarese performances and local cuisine, symbolizing Makassar’s maritime heritage and hospitality. These cultural activities reflected the conference’s theme of unity through diversity, strengthening ties among delegates from different nations.
A field trip to Rammang-Rammang and Leang-Leang Archaeological Park, part of the Maros–Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark, offered participants hands-on learning about the use of remote sensing and geospatial technology in sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The Young Scholar Night also provided a space for students and early-career researchers to connect and build future collaborations.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ilham Alimuddin expressed appreciation to all partners and participants, affirming that the success of ACRS 2025 demonstrated UNHAS’s readiness to serve as a hub for international academic collaboration. The event concluded with the symbolic handover of the ACRS flag to India, the next host. The 46th ACRS in Makassar marked a significant step in Hasanuddin University’s internationalization journey, combining scientific excellence, vocational education, and cultural diplomacy to promote sustainable global cooperation.