UNDIP, Semarang (February 28) – The Board of Professors of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), in collaboration with the Board of Professors of Legal State Universities (MDGB PTNBH), hosted an online Bestari Lecture via Zoom Meeting and live-streamed on the official UNDIPTV YouTube channel on Friday, February 28, 2025. As the host, UNDIP facilitated a scientific discussion under the theme “Infrastructure, Research, and Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Indonesia.”
The keynote speaker, Deputy Minister of Public Works, Ir. Diana Kusumastuti, M.T., delivered a presentation titled “Community-Based Infrastructure for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Indonesia.” She emphasized that Indonesia faces urgent climate change challenges that require immediate mitigation efforts. As part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement, Indonesia aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30.11%. To achieve this, the Ministry of Public Works is implementing sustainable and resilient infrastructure development strategies. A key issue discussed was the development of community-based infrastructure to support food self-sufficiency, recognizing Indonesia’s vast agricultural potential.
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that achieving the title of Professor is not merely an academic milestone but a responsibility to advance knowledge and benefit society. “Being a professor is crucial for academic reputation, but it is even more important that we do not become isolated from real-world issues. The technology and innovations we develop should not remain confined to laboratories; they must be applied to society to create tangible benefits and solutions,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
Chairman of MDGB PTNBH, Prof. Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., stated that the Bestari Lecture aims to discuss critical current issues and propose practical solutions for the community through scientific insights, research, and innovation.
The webinar, moderated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Erni Setyowati, M.T., featured three guest speakers: Deputy Minister of Public Works, Ir. Diana Kusumastuti, M.T.; Chairman of UNDIP’s Board of Professors and a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Purwanto, DEA.; and the Head of the Earth and Maritime Research Organization (BRIN), Prof. Ocky Karna Radjasa, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Purwanto, DEA., as the Chairman of UNDIP’s Board of Professors and a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, reinforced UNDIP’s commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation by supporting Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060. This goal is achieved through energy efficiency and conservation, implementation of eco-friendly technologies, and development of green infrastructure on campus. UNDIP has undertaken concrete steps, including an electrical energy audit, green building development, integration of eco-friendly transportation modes, energy-saving equipment, utilization of Solar PV for lighting, recycling and waste management, environmental conservation, such as mangrove restoration in Teluk Awur, Jepara Regency, and biodiversity protection on campus.
UNDIP has also pioneered several sustainable renewable energy initiatives, such as:
- Biodiesel Miniplant: The D-4 Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology program successfully tested biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil in campus operational vehicles.
- 50-cubic-meter Biogas Plant: Converts cow manure into eco-friendly fuel.
- Solar PV-powered electricity is an alternative energy source.
- Seawater Desalination Technology with a 200,000-liter daily capacity to provide clean water for many areas, including Sayung, Demak, and Teluk Awur, Jepara.
The third speaker, Prof. Ocky Karna Radjasa, M.Sc., Ph.D., from BRIN, highlighted the severe impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and water resources. Rising ocean temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and deteriorating water quality threaten Indonesia’s environment. To address these challenges, research-based mitigation and adaptation strategies are needed to understand and address their impacts more effectively. International collaboration is also a critical aspect of this effort, as climate change is global and requires cross-border cooperation in developing sustainable solutions.
One of the approaches used included weather modification technology to regulate rainfall and water availability, sustainable aquaculture to strengthen fisheries against environmental changes, and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) to reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming. With these steps, the impact of climate change can be minimized while maintaining the sustainability of the ecosystem and food security in the future.
