The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University (FPIK Undip) has held the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 International Tropical Summer Course (ITroSCo) on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 17.00 WIB online via the Zoom meeting platform. The 2022 ItroSCo Opening Ceremony was attended by the Vice Rector IV for Research and Innovation, the Dean of FPIK and his staff, the Head of the Undip Ranking Office, and the participants of 2022 ITroSCo.
In her speech, the Dean of FPIK Undip, Prof. Ir. Tri Winarni Agustini, MSc., Ph.D., welcomed the 2022 ItroSCo participants. “I am happy that even though we are currently in a very difficult situation due to Covid-19, we can still carry out the 2022 ItroSCo program online.” she said.
Furthermore, Prof. Tri Winarni hoped that 2022 ItroSCo participants can gain knowledge from several fisheries and marine experts as well as in the fields of tourism and Indonesian batik. “I’m sure these topics will be very interesting for you and provide a deeper understanding, especially about the city of Semarang and Indonesia in general.” she said.
The Chairperson of 2022 ITroSCo, Seto Windarto, S.Pi., M.Sc., M.P., in his report explained that 2022 ITroSCo is the 4th ITroSCo activity and will be held from 18 August to 1 September 2022. The 2022 ItroSCo is an annual event organized by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) Undip in order to provide a forum for international students to learn more about Indonesia’s beautiful biodiversity, not only marine flora and fauna but also about Indonesian culture, such as the famous Batik and the cultural heritage of Semarang City.
2022 ITroSCo raised the theme “The Hidden Gem of Mangrove Ecosystem in Indonesia Toward Society 5.0” and was attended by 41 participants from 15 countries, including Thailand, Egypt, Guyana, Fiji Island, Bangladesh, Ireland, Solomon Islands, Jamaica, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Trinidad & Tobago, and Mauritius.
2022 ITroSCo collaborated with The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum and presented speakers from Wageningen University & Research The Netherland, and is filled with discussions with experts from several institutions, including Diponegoro University, North Sumatra University, Walailak University Thailand, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and the inventor of natural batik dye from Mangrove.
In addition, 2022 ITroSCo aims to explore the beauty of the Mangrove ecosystem, explore the differences and beauty of the Karimunjawa Islands, and find out natural products from Mangroves for the future of Biopharmaceuticals. “This program will equip participants with theoretical knowledge about various aspects of mangroves and knowledge about the cultural heritage of the City of Semarang and Indonesian batik.” explained Seto Windarto who is also the Head of the International Office FPIK Undip.
“I also extend my deep appreciation to all the speakers who are willing to share their valuable knowledge with the 2022 ItroSCo participants. Thank you to all the students who have taken the time to help establish this program. Thanks to The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum for helping us reach more participants in this program.” he concluded.
