The Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries (FIKP), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), hosted an online coordination meeting with representatives from Hiroshima University, Japan, to finalize preparations for the upcoming 2026 Summer Program. The virtual meeting was attended by the Director of Internationalization / International Office of UNHAS, accompanied by the Assistant Director for International Mobility and team staff. FIKP UNHAS was represented by a team of young faculty members: Zhabika Dinda, Andi Alya Yusriyyah, and Amanda Pricella. Representing Hiroshima University, specifically the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation (IDEC), were Masayuki Kondo, Xin Li, Oshima, and Taiyo.
The main discussion focused on formulating the detailed rundown for the Summer Program, which forms part of Hiroshima University’s START Program (Study Tour Abroad for Realization and Transformation). The START Program is an outbound short-term study abroad initiative designed primarily for first-year undergraduate students with little to no previous overseas travel experience. Through this collaborative initiative, participating students from Japan will have the opportunity to gain firsthand academic and cultural exposure in Indonesia.
Scheduled to take place from late August to early September 2026, the program centers on “Maritime Culture of South Sulawesi.” During the study tour, participants will explore the rich maritime heritage and cultural practices of coastal communities in South Sulawesi. A key highlight of the itinerary includes field studies and community engagement in the coastal area of Takalar Regency, specifically at the Environmental Education Center (PPLH) Puntondo. This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on coastal ecosystems and community-based environmental awareness, the program supports SDG 14: Life Below Water. The cross-cultural exchange and educational modules advance SDG 4: Quality Education by offering students global experiential learning opportunities. Furthermore, the institutional synergy between UNHAS and Hiroshima University embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering international academic collaboration to address shared educational and ecological priorities.
This collaborative program reinforces the commitment of FIKP UNHAS to expanding their global network and supporting international student mobility initiatives. Through the active involvement of young faculty members and close coordination with the Directorate of Internationalization, UNHAS continues to create impactful cross-cultural academic platforms that foster global learning and promote the preservation of regional maritime heritage.
