UNDIP, Semarang (12/9) — The Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Daerah / BRIDA) of Central Java Province, in collaboration with the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), organized a workshop entitled “Research- and Innovation-Based Development of the Northern Coastal Region of Central Java in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Community Empowerment.” The workshop was held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Senate Meeting Room on the 3rd Floor of the Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Building, Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Sudarto, S.H. Street, Tembalang, Semarang.
Chair of LPPM UNDIP, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Suherman, S.T., M.T., stated in his remarks that the workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between researchers from Universitas Diponegoro and BRIDA of Central Java Province. Collaboration between universities and local governments is considered essential to strengthen the link between research outcomes and regional development needs. Through such synergy, the research and innovation capacities of higher education institutions can be utilized more effectively to address various development challenges, particularly those faced by communities along the northern coast of Central Java.
The Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Agency of Central Java Province, Drs. Mohamad Arief Irwanto, M.Si., delivered the opening remarks and officially opened the event. He emphasized that collaboration between the Central Java Provincial Government and higher education institutions is crucial for accelerating development across the province. The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, research organizations, academia, and regency/city governments throughout Central Java to discuss research- and innovation-based development of coastal areas.
The workshop featured several strategic presentations delivered by academics and stakeholders with expertise in environmental management, social innovation, technology, and sustainability. Dr. Irma Damayanti, S.Hut., M.M., presented “Directions and Policies for Environmental Management in Central Java.” Her presentation provided insights into environmental management strategies as integral to coastal development in Central Java.
Prof. Bulan Prabawani, S.Sos., M.M., Ph.D., subsequently presented “Social and Economic Innovation for Sustainable Coastal Areas: Multi-Actor Collaboration in Achieving the SDGs.” The session highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches and socio-economic innovation in supporting the sustainability of coastal areas.
From a technological perspective, Prof. Ir. Didi Dwi Anggoro, M.Eng., Ph.D., IPU, ASEAN Eng., presented “Pyrolysis Technology for Organic and Inorganic Waste Management.” Meanwhile, Dr. Adian Khoironi, S.T., M.Si., delivered a presentation entitled “Biosolution to Microplastic Removal in Aquatic System for a Better Environmental Sustainability.” The series of presentations reflected a multidisciplinary approach to coastal development, ranging from environmental policy and socio-economic innovation to waste management and bioscience-based solutions for environmental sustainability.
The workshop was attended by representatives from various institutions involved in coastal development and management. Representatives from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) included Ir. Turnad Lenggo Ginta, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Joko Tri Haryanto, S.Ag., M.S.I., and Dyah Susilawati, S.S., M.Hum. Representatives from the Central Java Provincial Government included the Head of the Central Java Regional Development Planning Agency and the Head of the Central Java Environment and Forestry Agency.
The involvement of the regency and city governments also played an important role in the workshop. Participants came from several regions along the northern coast of Central Java, including Rembang, Pati, Jepara, Demak, Kendal, Batang, Pemalang, Tegal, Brebes, and Semarang City. They represented regional development planning, research and innovation agencies, as well as other relevant local government institutions.
From Universitas Diponegoro, the workshop involved university leaders as well as research and study centers under LPPM UNDIP. Participants from LPPM UNDIP included representatives from the research and community service divisions, the Center for Environmental Research, the Halal Studies Center, the CBIOM3S Health Technology Center, the Center of Excellence for Forensic Accounting Innovation, the Blue Economy Research Center, the Health Research Center (Puslitkes), the Undip Biomechanics Engineering & Research Center (UBM-RC), the Center for Development Policy and Management Studies, and the Membrane Research Center.
Other participating units included the Center for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), the Sustainable Development Goals Center (SDGs Center), the Police Studies Center, the Community Service Program (KKN) Service Center, the LPPM UNDIP Quality Assurance Team, and its members. The involvement of these various research and study centers further strengthens LPPM UNDIP’s role as a bridge between the university’s research capacity and regional development needs. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is expected to generate more comprehensive approaches to addressing the diverse challenges faced by communities along the northern coast of Central Java.
Through this workshop, synergy among Central Java BRIDA, LPPM UNDIP, BRIN, the provincial government, and regency/city governments forms an important foundation for developing a research and innovation ecosystem that is responsive to regional needs. Research- and innovation-based approaches are expected not only to produce technological and policy solutions, but also to contribute to community empowerment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the northern coastal region of Central Java.
For UNDIP, this collaboration further strengthens the university’s role in producing research relevant to development challenges that communities and local governments can utilize. LPPM Universitas Diponegoro remains committed to fostering synergy among academia, government, research institutions, the business sector, and communities to generate sustainable innovations that meaningfully contribute to Central Java’s development. (Public Communication/UNDIP)