The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) of Diponegoro University successfully held the International Tropical Summer Course (ITroSCo) 2025 – Camp, themed “Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystem”, from October 10–12, 2025, in Jepara, Central Java.
The program brought together international participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, and the Philippines. Through this activity, participants were expected to deepen their knowledge and skills in applying the principles of sustainable aquaculture and integrated coastal ecosystem management, while also expanding their international networks.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Agus Trianto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Diponegoro University. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the crucial role of the younger generation in maintaining the sustainability of tropical marine and fisheries resources.
“We hope this program will foster international collaboration and ecological awareness so that participants can become agents of change in the field of marine and fisheries,” he stated.
Following the opening session, participants joined an offline course featuring two main topics: “Integrating Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Coastal Resilience” delivered by Prof. Dr. Ing. Widodo Setiyo Pranowo, S.T., M.Si. from the Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, BRIN, and “Sustainable Aquaculture for Coastal Resilience” presented by Dr. Muhammad Wahyudin Lewaru, S.Pi., M.Sc. from the Center for Marine and Fisheries Resource Studies and Empowerment.
Participants also visited the Jepara Campus Management Agency to observe the management of desalinization facilities, cold storage, and shrimp ponds. As night fell, the atmosphere turned lively and colorful during the cultural exchange session, where participants showcased traditional performances representing their home countries — from dances and music to traditional attire. The evening became a joyful moment of friendship and intercultural connection among participants from around the world.
The second day marked the highlight of the field activities on Panjang Island, where participants took part in coral transplantation and coastal clean-up initiatives. Through these simple yet meaningful actions, participants made real contributions to the rehabilitation of marine ecosystems and the preservation of Jepara’s coastal environment.
After the conservation activities, participants visited Dekranasda Jepara, Nalendra Gallery, and the Petekeyan carving center. There, they learned about the beauty of Jepara’s batik and woodcarving arts, and even had the opportunity to try batik-making and woodcarving under the guidance of local artisans. This experience symbolized the harmony between local wisdom and global spirit in preserving both culture and the environment.
The ITroSCo 2025 – Camp officially concluded on the third day with a closing ceremony led by the Chairperson of the Committee, Mr. Hendrik Anggi Setyawan, S.Pi., M.Si. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to all participants and committee members who contributed to the program’s success.
“ITroSCo 2025 is not just about learning, but also about building networks, embracing diversity, and instilling sustainable values that will continue to grow in the future,” he said.
As a token of appreciation, the committee presented the Best Video Participant Award to Thrya Al-Aqab from Yemen for her creativity in documenting her experience throughout ITroSCo 2025 – Camp, along with certificates for all participants. The moment marked a sweet closing for everyone who actively participated in the three-day program.
Through ITroSCo 2025 – Camp, FPIK UNDIP reaffirmed its commitment as a center for global learning and collaboration in the fields of fisheries and marine science. The program not only enriched academic knowledge but also nurtured ecological empathy and awareness of the vital balance between people, culture, and nature.