To prepare students for rapid technological advancements, their competencies must be honed. Higher education institutions are expected to enhance educational quality through innovative teaching processes, ensuring that students achieve optimal learning outcomes in terms of attitude, knowledge, and skills. In support of this goal, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has introduced the “Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM) policy. This policy grants students the freedom to participate in learning activities beyond their study programs and outside the campus. “Kampus Merdeka” represents an autonomous and flexible learning environment in higher education, tailored to students’ needs.

The Biology Study Program also contributes to the government’s efforts to enhance educational quality through the implementation of MBKM. One way the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga supports this program is by inviting guest lecturers with expertise in various biological fields, including government or private institutions, industry, and practitioners. Through guest lectures, students gain valuable learning experiences, foster innovation, and creativity, and meet their specific needs, ultimately promoting self-reliance.

The aquatic ecology guest lecture took place in person on December 11, 2022, near the Denggung River in Yogyakarta. The guest lecturer for this course was Mr. Basith Kuncoro Adji. Similar to the ecology guest lecture, this field-based class aimed to enhance students’ practical skills. Students not only received theoretical content but also learned how to directly measure environmental parameters in the field.