UNDIP, Semarang (May 8, 2025) – The Department of Biology at Diponegoro University’s Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM UNDIP) has partnered with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to launch an international summer program that officially opened on May 8, 2025.
As part of UNDIP’s World Class University (WCU) initiative, the summer course carries the theme “Integrating Science and Stewardship in Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Management.” The program aims to introduce the rich coastal biodiversity of Jawa Tengah while deepening the understanding of sustainable management through research-driven and cross-institutional collaboration.
Held from May 9 to 14, 2025, the seven-day program takes place in Karimunjawa National Park, Jepara Regency, Jawa Tengah. A total of 49 participants and speakers from various domestic and international institutions are taking part in the event.
This collaborative program brings together FSM UNDIP’s Department of Biology, the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Ecology and Biosystematics Laboratory, and the Diponegoro Biodiversity Project. Participants will engage directly in field exploration of key coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and coastal land areas. Field activities involve biodiversity observation, data collection, and direct ecological analysis.
Beyond scientific activities, the program also includes dialogue sessions with key stakeholders such as Karimunjawa National Park officials, conservation NGOs like Elasmobranch Project Indonesia (EPI), and local communities. These discussions aim to provide broader insight into the social, economic, and conservation challenges in the region.
The program hosts 38 participants and facilitators, alongside 11 guest speakers from esteemed institutions such as NUS, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS), Universitas Mataram, and the MERO Foundation in Bali.
Unlike conventional classroom settings, the entire course is conducted in the field through hands-on activities and contextual discussions. This approach provides participants with immersive, real-world learning experiences.
Beyond academic enrichment, the program also aims to open doors for broader collaborations among institutions, speakers, and participants. The experience of working in multicultural teams fosters diverse perspectives and enhances participants’ collaborative skills.
This summer program represents a key part of UNDIP’s internationalization strategy and supports its goal of becoming a World-Class University. It strengthens global academic partnerships, research innovation, and the international capacity of both students and faculty members. (Public Communication / FSM / ed. Nurul)