UNDIP, Semarang (September 24, 2025) – In recent years, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), has strengthened its ties with Nagoya University through academic collaboration under Indonesia’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education framework. This September, FISIP had the honor of welcoming Visiting Professor Christian Otchia, associate professor of economic development at the Graduate School of International Development, whose expertise spans Ethiopia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos.
As a visiting professor, Prof. Otchia participated in activities aimed at advancing academic, research, and community service in alignment with UNDIP’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education mission. One highlight was his public lecture, held September 24, 2025, in the FISIP Senate Meeting Room.
During the session, Prof. Otchia presented his research, which he conducted with a doctoral student. Their study examined the cross-border spillover effects of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) established by the government of Laos. By leveraging granular satellite data (DMSP) and applying a difference-in-difference approach strengthened by a regression discontinuity design model, the researchers found that Laos’ SEZ policy not only boosted domestic economic growth but also generated positive spillover effects extending up to 15 kilometers into neighboring Thailand.
The week prior, Prof. Otchia also visited Bandungan Village, identified as a potential site for Nagoya University’s Overseas Fieldwork (OFW) program. The OFW initiative provides students with hands-on exposure to real-world development challenges in emerging economies. It also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing practical development issues. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ FISIP Team)