Bogor, February 20, 2025 –Department of Landscape Architecture, IPB University, once again held The 3rd Summer Course on Indonesia’s Tropical Landscape with the theme “Sustainable and Resilient Coastal Landscape”. This program took place from February 12–20, 2025, and was attended by 30 students from various foreign and domestic universities, including one student from Universitas Udayana, Indonesia; 2 students from Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia; 2 students from Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Indonesia; 2 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia; 8 students from the University of the Philippines – Diliman; 6 students from Bulacan State University, the Philippines; 8 students from Chiba University, Japan; and one student from IPB University. Two accompanying lecturers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman also participated in the program. Among the participants, 28 are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while one is enrolled in a master’s program.

This event was held in collaboration between IPB University and the Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, with support from Indonesia Society of Landscape Architects (ISLA) and Indonesia Education Forum of Landscape Architecture (IEFLA). The summer course is an annual program organized by Department of Landscape Architecture, IPB University. It aims to enhance the global academic atmosphere, expand international networks, and strengthen its position as a World Class University. This year’s program consisted of 90 learning hours, equivalent to 2 academic credits, covering lectures, fieldwork, and excursions.

During the opening session, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Ir. Alinda Fitriany Malik Zain, M.Si., stated in her remarks that this program aims to enhance the international academic environment at IPB University, strengthen collaboration with partner universities, and open new opportunities for cooperation. She also thanked the speakers, moderators, and participants for their contributions. The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni, Prof. Iskandar Zulkarnain Siregar, with a traditional gong-striking ceremony. This event was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Suryo Wiyono; the Chairperson of FPALI, Dr. Kaswanto; IALI National Representative, Taufiq Khairullah; the Director of Global Connectivity, Dr. rer. agr. Eva Anggraini, S.Pi., M.Si.; and the Director of International Education at IPB University, Puji Mudiana, M.A.

The program included various academic activities, such as a Studium Generale featuring three distinguished speakers:

1. L. Ar., En. P. Angelo Paulo A. Mogul (Department of Landscape Architecture, Bulacan State University, the Philippines) – “The Triple Bottom Line Concept and Landscape Architecture for the Island Landscapes”.
2. Dr. Nizar Nasrullah, M.Agr. (Department of Landscape Architecture, IPB University, Indonesia) – “Diversity and Role of Mangrove Forest”.
3. Asst. Prof. Jiang Xiaohuan, Ph.D. (Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Japan) – “Green Spaces, Coastal Landscape Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Japan”.

Throughout the program, participants actively engaged in group discussions, student seminars, sit-in sessions at IPB University lectures, discussions with HIMASKAP (IPB University’s Landscape Architecture Student Association), and a cultural night that further strengthened relationships among students from different countries.

Participants also explored three iconic landscapes during the excursion sessions. In the Thousand Islands, they studied tropical coastal landscapes on Tidung Island, explored mangrove forest conservation practices, and gained insights into the cultural and social aspects of the local communities. Meanwhile, at Bogor Botanical Gardens, they learned about landscape conservation concepts, explored tropical plant collections, and studied biodiversity conservation techniques.

The success of this program was greatly supported by the Directorate of International Education (DPI) at IPB University, Chiba University, ISLA, IEFLA, and partner universities. With the successful implementation of The 3rd Summer Course on Indonesia’s Tropical Landscape, it is hoped that participants will gain new knowledge and experiences to contribute to building sustainable and resilient coastal landscapes worldwide.