Bogor, 13 March 2024

The 2nd Summer Course of Indonesia Tropical Landscape with the theme “Sustainable and Resilient Urban Landscape” was successfully held on 1-9 March 2024 by the Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University in collaboration with the Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University Japan. “This year’s Summer Course not only introduces the beauty of tropical landscapes and the diversity of Indonesian culture through the studium generale and field excursions but also allows participants to attend lectures at IPB University and discuss with the Landscape Architecture Student Association,” explained the Head of the Landscape Architecture Department. IPB University, Dr. Akhmad Arifin Hadi at the Welcome Dinner.

The 2nd Summer Course 2024 of Indonesia Tropical Landscape was attended by 6 Chiba University students and 6 University of the Philippines Diliman students. This program lasts for 9 days consisting of a general studio at the IPB University Campus and excursions to 5 locations, namely the Bogor Botanical Gardens, Kampoeng Wisata Cinangneng, Cibodas Botanical Gardens, Tebet Eco Park, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah with a total of 90 learning hours or equivalent. with 2 credits. Through field excursions, participants are expected to be able to know and understand sustainable and resilient urban landscapes both in theory and practice.

At the Opening Ceremony, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Prita Indah Pratiwi explained “The 2nd Summer Course was held to improve the atmosphere of the international academic environment, maintain collaboration with partner universities, and form new collaborations with other partner universities.” Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Suryo Wiyono officially opened The 2nd Summer Course of Indonesia Tropical Landscape at the Opening Ceremony session, which was also attended by the Director of International Education at IPB University, Puji Mudiana, M.A.

The 2nd Summer Course of Indonesia Tropical Landscape presents leading speakers in the field of Landscape Architecture, namely Dr. Akhmad Arifin Hadi, SP., MALA (IPB University) with material “The Importance of Plants in Green Buildings/Infrastructure”, Assis. Prof. Jiang Xiaohuan, Ph.D. (Chiba University) with material “Sustainable Urban Development That Utilizes Rainwater in Japan”, and Prof. Nappy L. Navarra (University of the Philippines Diliman) with material “Finding Strength in Vulnerability”. “Chiba University requires every student to go abroad through the Study Abroad Program and this program will continue to be held every year, we hope that the collaboration with IPB University will continue,” said Assis. Prof. Jiang Xiaohuan, Ph.D.

The participants were actively involved in the studium generale, excursions, group discussions, sit-ins at lectures, discussions with Himaskap, student seminars, and cultural nights. Several participants expressed their joy when participating in this program, they said that this program provided an in-depth experience and motivated their learning activities. They plan to apply the knowledge and experience gained to support conservation efforts for landscape sustainability in the future.

With the success of The 2nd Summer Course 2024 of Indonesia Tropical Landscape, it is hoped that this program will continue to be a platform to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of preserving landscapes and have a wider impact on participants and related universities. The participants are expected to become agents of positive change in environmental conservation efforts in the future.

The implementation of The 2nd Summer Course 2024 is a form of support from the Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards the indicators of Sustainable Cities and Communities, Quality Education, and Partnership For The Goals. This program closed with cultural performances from the three countries which further enlivened the Cultural Night and Closing Ceremony.