15–18 November 2025 | Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Diponegoro University (UNDIP), through the Public Administration Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), successfully held the UNDIP–UUM ECOBRIDGE International Community Service 2025 from 15 to 18 November 2025 in Semarang. The program brought together 12 students and one accompanying lecturer from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), students of HMPS Public Administration UNDIP, as well as the environmental student organization KeSEMaT UNDIP. Designed to strengthen environmental awareness and cross-border academic collaboration, ECOBRIDGE served as a platform for youth engagement in sustainability, climate literacy, and community-based learning.
A key highlight of the program was the Mangrove Planting Activity conducted on 16 November 2025 in the coastal area of Tugu District, Semarang, undertaken in collaboration with KeSEMaT UNDIP, known for its long-standing commitment to coastal conservation and mangrove rehabilitation. The joint activity enabled UUM and UNDIP students to work side by side in understanding coastal ecosystem challenges, implementing practical restoration steps, and contributing directly to climate resilience in Semarang’s vulnerable shoreline communities. This environmental engagement was also supported by faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Dra. Kismartini, M.Si., Program Head Retna Hanani, S.Sos., MPP, and lecturers Irfan Murtadho Yusuf, S.A.P., and Renata Jati Nirmala, S.IAN., MPA.
The UUM delegation expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm hospitality and meaningful academic exchange throughout the program. Accompanying lecturer Dr. Nur Khaleeda binti Mohd Kamil shared that she felt “truly honoured to be part of this meaningful program,” emphasizing that the generosity and openness of FISIP UNDIP made the experience memorable. UUM student Muhammad Adham bin Mohammad Suhaimi also highlighted the value of the visit, noting how happy he felt to gain new experiences, engage in environmental activities, and build friendships with Indonesian students and community partners.
Head of the Public Administration Study Program, Retna Hanani, S.Sos., MPP, stated that ECOBRIDGE aligns closely with the Faculty’s vision to become a World Class Faculty while reinforcing UNDIP’s commitment to sustainability. She emphasized that collaborative initiatives such as mangrove planting, conducted together with international partners and KeSEMaT UNDIP, demonstrate how academic institutions can contribute directly to climate action. The UNDIP–UUM ECOBRIDGE 2025 program ultimately strengthened academic networks, empowered students from both nations, and showcased a shared commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.
