Panca Rahadi, S.P., a graduate student from the Master of Agricultural Economics (MEP) Program at the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was selected to participate in the Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme, a collaborative initiative between UGM and Aarhus University, Denmark, funded by the European Commission. The three-month program was specifically designed to support research activities, allowing Panca to focus on developing his master’s thesis at the Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University.
During the programme, Panca conducted his research under a joint supervision scheme involving Dr. Doan Nainggolan, a Senior Researcher in Environmental Economics, and Prof. Peter L. Langen, a professor specializing in climate modeling. Through their guidance, Panca developed a climatic-economic modelling framework for his thesis, which examines the relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), natural disasters, and macroeconomic dynamics. This experience provided valuable insights into constructing models that are not only methodologically sound but also contextually relevant in addressing complex global challenges.
Throughout his stay in Denmark, Panca’s primary activities included data collection and analysis, as well as intensive consultations with his co-supervisors at Aarhus University and his academic supervisor at UGM. Despite the six-hour time difference between Indonesia and Denmark, continuous guidance and academic discussions were maintained effectively. In addition, Panca participated in the iClimate Annual Meeting 2025, an interdisciplinary research forum covering a wide range of fields, including climate science, economics, social sciences, psychology, physics, health, atmospheric sciences, and biology. He contributed as a poster presenter, showcasing his thesis proposal and receiving positive feedback along with constructive inputs that helped refine his research.
Panca also engaged in regular academic activities such as Science & Soup, a monthly forum where researchers present their work followed by informal discussions in a collaborative setting. These experiences enriched his academic perspective and exposed him to diverse approaches in interdisciplinary research.
Reflecting on his experience, Panca highlighted several key lessons. First, he recognized the importance of prioritizing logical reasoning and the ability of data to “speak,” rather than focusing solely on fulfilling classical assumptions in econometric modeling. Second, he emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in addressing climate-related issues that require integrated perspectives. Third, he observed notable differences in research environments, including the strong emphasis on work-life balance in Denmark. Lastly, adapting to winter conditions posed a unique challenge, especially for someone from a tropical country, requiring effective time management to maintain productivity.
Participation in this program is not only an academic achievement but also broadens Panca’s global perspective as an agricultural economics student. His experience reflects a tangible contribution to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 13: Climate action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.
He concluded by encouraging fellow students to take advantage of international opportunities, emphasizing that being part of such programmes is a valuable component of one’s academic journey and personal growth.
Author: Natasya Putri Alifia, S.P.
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Documentation: Panca Rahadi