FPIK, SEMARANG – The Ambassador of Suriname to Indonesia Ricardo W. Panka, on Friday August 31st, 2018 visited the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science UNDIP to explore possible cooperation. Mr. Ricardo, accompanied by staff from the Suriname Embassy and staff from the Semarang City Government, took the time to visit FPIK because they were interested in developing mangroves in Suriname. The visit to Semarang this time is also in the context of a sister city cooperation with the Semarang City Government.

On a visit to FPIK, Mr. Ricardo was received by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ambaryanto, MSc and accompanied by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Ir. Suradi, Deputy Dean for Resources Baskoro, ST, MT; Deputy Dean for Business Ir. Irwani M.Phil and Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation Tita Elfitasari, Spi, MSc, PhD as well as several department heads. During the cooperation discussion, Mr. Ricardo seemed very impressed with the several programs offered, including scholarships for Surinamese students to study at UNDIP, research collaboration and scientific diving programs for students.

Mr. Ricardo firmly believes that this collaboration can be realized, especially because Suriname and Indonesia have a strong historical relationship.

About 20% of the population of Suriname are of Javanese descent, which until now still maintains the Javanese language to communicate in Suriname. Mr. Ricardo himself also spoke a little bit of Indonesian and Javanese. The 1.5 hour visit was then ended with the exchange of souvenirs and group photos before the group continued on to the Semarang City Hall. (Ratnaningtyas).