Semarang, Indonesia – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), continues to strengthen its international research collaboration through the 2026 World Class University (WCU) – Adjunct Professor Program. This program brings together Dr. Aris Ismanto, S.Si., M.Si., from the Department of Oceanography, FPIK UNDIP, and Prof. Dr. Ir. A.J.H.M. (Ad) Reniers from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the Netherlands.
The program took place from 20 to 30 October 2026. It focused on coastal dynamics research, international scientific publications, and academic capacity building. Furthermore, this collaboration supports FPIK UNDIP’s efforts to expand its global academic network and strengthen long-term partnerships with leading international universities.
One of the main research focuses is shoreline change in Sayung, Demak Regency, Central Java. The study examines hydrodynamic processes, shoreline changes, and factors that influence coastal vulnerability. This research is highly relevant to environmental challenges along Indonesia’s coastline, particularly on the northern coast of Java.
Strengthening Joint Research Publications with TU Delft
The 2026 Adjunct Professor Program achieved several milestones in international research collaboration. One of its main outcomes is a joint research manuscript entitled “Reverse Coastal Abrasion in Subsiding Lowland Coasts: Processes, Global Evidence, and Management Implications.” The research team has submitted this manuscript to Earth-Science Reviews, a Q1-ranked international journal.
In addition, the research team has prepared two other collaborative manuscripts. The first is entitled “Coastal Resilience in Subsiding Lowland Coasts: Linking Gradual Vulnerability Change, Episodic Forcing, and Shoreline Response.”
The second manuscript is entitled “Decadal Shoreline Retreat in Sayung, Indonesia: Distinguishing Chronic Coastal Degradation from Episodic Hydrodynamic Forcing.”
These three manuscripts demonstrate the team’s commitment to advancing coastal dynamics research and sustainable coastal management. The research team will continue refining the two draft manuscripts before submitting them to international scientific journals.
Enhancing Academic Skills through Guest Lectures and Workshops
In addition to joint publications, the program featured guest lectures and academic workshops. These activities provided opportunities for FPIK UNDIP lecturers and students to deepen their knowledge of coastal processes and scientific writing.
On 23 October 2026, Prof. Ad Reniers delivered a guest lecture entitled “Mangrove Inundation on the North Java Coast: Sediment Dynamics, Land Subsidence and Coastal Retreat in Semarang and Demak.” The lecture explored sediment dynamics, land subsidence, and shoreline retreat along the coastal areas of Semarang and Demak.
Furthermore, on 26 October 2026, the program held a workshop entitled “Reactivating the Physical Hydrodynamics Laboratory: Lessons Learned from the Netherlands for Application at UNDIP.” The session discussed laboratory management and research development lessons from the Netherlands that could support improvements to UNDIP’s hydrodynamics research facilities.
On 27 October 2026, participants attended another workshop entitled “From Research Ideas to Scientific Writing: Structuring and Outlining a Research Article.” This session introduced strategies for organizing research ideas and developing a clear structure for scientific articles.
The following day, on 28 October 2026, Prof. Reniers delivered a workshop entitled “Introduction to Coastal Processes: Waves, Currents, and Changing Shorelines.” The session introduced participants to fundamental coastal processes, including waves, currents, and shoreline changes.
These academic activities were complemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) held on 21, 22, and 29 October 2026. During these sessions, the research team reviewed and refined collaborative manuscripts through academic discussions and evaluations.
Promoting Sustainable International Academic Partnerships
The 2026 Adjunct Professor Program represents an important step in strengthening FPIK UNDIP’s international academic network. Collaboration with TU Delft also creates opportunities for future joint research, student exchanges, visiting professor programs, and other academic initiatives.
Moving forward, the research team will continue developing and refining the two draft manuscripts before submitting them to international journals. These efforts are expected to increase research productivity and improve the quality of academic publications within the Department of Oceanography, FPIK UNDIP.
Through the 2026 WCU – Adjunct Professor Program, FPIK UNDIP reaffirms its commitment to advancing research quality, expanding global partnerships, and developing internationally competitive human resources. This collaboration also supports Universitas Diponegoro’s vision of becoming an excellent and internationally competitive research university.