Bogor, Indonesia – August 20, 2025 – From August 11 to 16, 2025, the Department of Landscape Architecture at IPB University hosted a collaborative study trip with a delegation from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Poland. The visit, spanning several regions in DKI Jakarta and West Java, marked a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration and served as a crucial step toward initiating a Double Master Degree program in landscape architecture and environmental studies between the two institutions.

This week-long program aimed to introduce academic programs and facilities at IPB University, foster educational and research partnerships, explore Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural landscapes as potential collaboration platforms, and promote cross-cultural understanding through direct engagement and field exploration.

The Polish delegation arrived in Indonesia on August 10, 2025, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and visited Ancol Beach to observe coastal landscapes before traveling to Bogor. The IPB team warmly welcomed the guests at Fave Hotel, where they were briefed on the upcoming activities.

On August 11, the delegation was officially received at the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University. The event was hosted by Dr. Dyah Retno Panuju, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni. The guests toured department facilities including classrooms, landscape studios, and the IPB Museum. Later, they met with IPB’s Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Ir. Iskandar Z. Siregar, M.For.Sc., IPU, ASEAN Eng, to discuss technical matters related to the proposed Double Master Degree program.

On August 12, the delegation explored the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park in North Jakarta, learning about mangrove ecosystems and participating in a mangrove planting session. They then visited Jakarta’s Old Town to examine colonial landscape heritage and attended a traditional wayang workshop. The day concluded with a trip to Braga, a historic district in Bandung.

August 13 featured a visit to the Kawah Putih volcanic crater. The journey included scenic views of rice fields, coffee plantations, and tropical forests. Participants observed the unique characteristics of the volcanic landscape and toured nearby tea plantations before concluding the day with visits to local souvenir and factory outlets.

The following day, August 14, the group visited the Geology Museum and the renowned Tangkuban Perahu crater in Bandung. They studied Indonesia’s geological history and local folklore surrounding the volcano, enriching their understanding of the intersection between geology, landscape, and culture. The return trip to Bogor passed through Subang Regency.

On August 15, the delegation visited Situ Gunung in the Gede Pangrango National Park area, Sukabumi. Here, they trekked through tropical rainforest trails and encountered native flora and fauna such as Agathis dammara (damar tree), surili monkeys (Presbytis comata), and Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus). Highlights included crossing the suspension bridge, visiting Curug Sawer waterfall, enjoying traditional Sundanese music, and experiencing the unique “Keranjang Sultan” swing attraction. Lunch was held at the local restaurant Asap Isep Smokehouse, followed by a farewell dinner hosted by Vice Rector Prof. Iskandar Z. Siregar back in Bogor.

On August 16, the final day, participants visited Bogor Botanical Gardens via the main entrance. The tour covered key locations such as the Nepenthes and Begonia Greenhouse, Teijsmann Garden, Dutch Cemetery, Presidential Palace, Srigunting Lake, Aquatic Garden, Palm Oil Monument, Astrid Garden, and concluded with a group lunch at Raasaa Restaurant. A closing session allowed participants to share impressions and outline the next steps in implementing the Double Master Degree program.

The program ended with a visit to the IPB Baranangsiang Campus before the delegation departed for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for their return to Poland.

This meaningful academic visit not only paved the way for future joint programs but also deepened mutual understanding through immersive cultural and environmental experiences. The collaboration reflects IPB University’s continued commitment to global academic engagement and sustainable landscape development.