UNDIP, Semarang (July 31, 2025) – The Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) successfully hosted the 6th International Conference of Public Health for Tropical and Coastal Regions (ICOPH-TCD) virtually on July 30–31, 2025. Carrying the theme “Public Health Resilience in Tropical and Coastal Areas,” the annual forum brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss solutions to pressing public health issues, particularly in tropical and coastal regions increasingly affected by climate change.
This year’s conference featured five keynote speakers representing leading institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and the United States. The event opened with remarks from Dr. Budiyono, SKM, M.Kes., Dean of UNDIP’s Faculty of Public Health, who emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing public health challenges driven by the climate crisis. “Tropical and coastal areas are rich in biodiversity and culture, yet highly vulnerable to climate change. We need innovative, sustainable, and culturally grounded solutions,” he said.
Rector of Universitas Diponegoro Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed hope that ICOPH-TCD would serve as a global collaborative platform. “This conference is part of UNDIP’s efforts to enhance global academic competitiveness and support health innovation based on research,” he stated. He also highlighted UNDIP’s investment in laboratories supporting climate mitigation research and health system strengthening.
The conference opened with a performance by Studio 8, showcasing Gugur Gunung Dance. This traditional Javanese dance symbolizes community spirit and cooperation, rooted in Jawa Tengah and YoJava arta’s cultural heritage.
Prof. Dr. Asnawi Abdullah, SKM, MHSM, M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Agency for Health Development Policy, delivered the keynote speech from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. He outlined the six pillars of national health system transformation as the government’s long-term commitment to health resilience. “Primary healthcare, disease control, and digital transformation are key to improving quality of life. Annual health checkups must become a cultural norm, not just a recommendation,” he emphasized.
The first day featured Ts. Dr. Ismaniza Ismail (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia), who spoke on “Adapting Occupational Hygiene Practices to Enhance Resilience in Coastal Regions.” She stressed the importance of technology and local community engagement. “Preventing occupational disease in coastal areas requires a proactive, community-based approach,” she noted.
Next, Assist. Prof. Issara Siramaneerat, Ph.D. (Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand) presented on elderly reproductive health. “Thailand’s aging population demands greater attention to healthcare access, especially in rural areas,” she said.
On the second day, Prof. Elena N. Naumova, Ph.D. (Tufts University, USA), discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for food and nutrition resilience. “AI can help build robust and responsive food systems, but it must be grounded in accurate local data,” she explained.
Tsheten, BSc, MPH, Ph.D. (Australian National University) presented on the “Real World Application of Dengue Early Warning System.” He highlighted that “Data integration limitations and lack of training remain major challenges for implementing effective early warning systems.”
Representing UNDIP, Prof. drg. Zahroh Shaluhiyah, MPH, Ph.D., delivered a session on health promotion approaches for controlling tuberculosis in Indonesia’s coastal areas. “Culturally based health promotion is key to overcoming stigma and raising awareness about TB,” she stated.
The conference was attended by 403 participants from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Rwanda, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Poland, and Gambia. A total of 234 participants joined the parallel sessions to present their research and scientific ideas. At the end of the conference, Susianto was named General Best Presenter for his presentation titled “The Effect of Supplementary Tempeh-Based Milk as a Local Food on the Improvement of Body Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index in Stunted Toddlers.”
Conference Chair Dr. Yudhy Dharmawan, SKM, M.Kes., MSc, Ph.D., concluded the event with a call to action: “Let this conference be a call to protect health, promote equity, and build resilience in the face of the global climate crisis.” The event concluded with a musical performance by Studio 8 FKM UNDIP, featuring the song “Rungkat,” accompanied by the hope that this conference would spark real steps toward international collaboration and expand UNDIP’s contribution to addressing global health challenges. (Public Communication/ FKM/ Dita, Ed. Diar & Tata)