The Public Policy Scientific Group (Kelompok Bidang Keilmuan/KBK) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Diponegoro University, conducted an official visit to Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) to strengthen academic and international research collaboration. The FISIP UNDIP delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Dra. Kismartini along with Irfan Murtadho Yusuf, was warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UUM, along with the leadership of Inapan Siswa Yayasan Albukhary and UUM students. The reception was held in a warm and collaborative atmosphere. The program titled Ecobridge: UNDIP x UUM Sustainability Collaboration took place from 27 to 30 June 2025 and served as a strategic step to encourage the active role of higher education institutions in sustainability issues.

The main agenda on Saturday (28/6) included a discussion on the drafting of a Letter of Intent (LoI) and plans for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. This collaboration supports the Recognized World Class University (RWCU) program currently being developed by UNDIP. In addition, a research discussion was held with the theme “Collaborative Governance in Sustainable Coastal Management”—a comparative study between coastal regions in Indonesia and Malaysia. The discussion was dynamic, bringing together cross-country academic perspectives in addressing coastal governance challenges. This collaborative research marks the beginning of the partnership between both parties. As a form of long-term commitment, the Rector of UUM and his team are scheduled to visit Diponegoro University on 10–15 October 2025 for the official MoU signing and to develop further strategic programs such as:

• Student and faculty exchange (student exchange & visiting professor)

• Joint scientific publications

• Research-based social and community empowerment activities

In his remarks, Prof. Martadha stated that this collaboration serves as a “jambatan mahabbah”—a bridge of affection—that strengthens the relationship between UNDIP and UUM. He emphasized the importance of scientific solidarity in responding to global challenges. “This is not just academic cooperation, but an effort to build inter-institutional friendship that can provide real benefits to coastal communities and the academic world,” he said.

Prof. Kismartini also stressed that this collaboration is part of UNDIP’s strategy to expand its international network, strengthen the university’s position in global rankings, and enrich the experience of students and faculty in cross-cultural collaborations.

On Sunday (29/6), the FISIP UNDIP delegation departed for Langkawi Island to conduct field observations in the coastal area of Pantai Cenang. The activity continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with local stakeholders consisting of community leaders, tourism actors, and coastal area management authorities. This FGD provided real insights into the challenges of coastal resource governance and the potential for community-based collaboration. The enthusiastic discussion also reinforced a participatory and solution-oriented research approach.

On the final day, Monday (30/6), the delegation consolidated their field findings. They then returned to Indonesia via the Langkawi–Kuala Lumpur–Jakarta–Semarang route.