The program was organized in collaboration with LPDP and the Mero Foundation (Indonesian Marine Education & Research Organisation) as part of ITB's commitment to strengthening international collaboration in education, research, and the conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Centered on the theme of small island conservation, the program combined academic learning with hands-on field experience. Participants first completed asynchronous online learning sessions from 15–24 July 2026, covering the fundamentals of coastal ecosystems, marine conservation, and the challenges of managing island environments. The online sessions were followed by a field excursion in Karangasem, Bali, from 27–31 July 2026, where participants observed coastal ecosystems firsthand and learned about conservation practices and the management of Indonesia's small islands.

^{Photo caption: Dr. Ivonne Milichristi Radjawane, Chair of the FITB ITB Summer Course 2026, delivers her opening remarks.}

In her opening remarks, Chair of the FITB ITB Summer Course 2026, Dr. Ivonne Milichristi Radjawane, emphasized the importance of preparing young generations to address the growing challenges faced by coastal areas and small islands.

"Small islands are ecosystems with significant ecological, social, and economic value. However, they also face numerous challenges, ranging from climate change and environmental degradation to increasing human pressures. Through the FITB ITB Summer Course 2026, we aim to provide a learning platform that integrates scientific knowledge, field experience, and cultural exchange to strengthen the capacity of young people in understanding and sustainably managing coastal ecosystems and small islands," she said.

She added that the program was designed not only to enrich participants' academic knowledge and practical skills but also to foster international networking and collaboration in earth sciences, marine science, and environmental studies.

Interdisciplinary Learning from Academics and Practitioners

^{Photo caption: Dr. Eng. Faruq Khadami (ITB) delivers a session on seabed survey methods (left), while participants join a marine debris and beach clean-up session led by Saat Mubarrok, Ph.D. (ITB) (right).}

The summer course featured lecturers and practitioners from various institutions who shared expertise from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Participants were introduced to the Oceanography Study Program by Dr.rer.nat. Rima Rachmayani (ITB), while experts from the MERO Foundation—Christian Wibowo, S.Si., I Wayan Mudianta, Ph.D., and Muhammad Fakhururrazi, S.Kom.—delivered sessions on marine conservation and ecology.

Additional topics included marine debris, presented by Saat Mubarrok, Ph.D. (ITB); seabed survey methods by Dr. Eng. Faruq Khadami (ITB); marine environmental assessment for conservation by Dr. Ejria binti Saleh from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS); and multi-stakeholder engagement for strengthening coastal community resilience by Dr. Nurrul Fazlina binti Osman, also from UMS.

The program also explored the social dimensions of conservation through a session on the socio-cultural and economic aspects of coastal communities delivered by Ni Nyoman Era Jumantini, S.Sos., M.A., from UInspire Indonesia.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected environmental, social, economic, and policy dimensions of managing coastal areas and small islands.

Participants Represent Seven Countries

^{Photo caption: Participants from various countries take part in learning activities in Karangasem, Bali.}

The program attracted 21 participants, consisting of 13 primary awardees and eight additional participants. Among them, 12 were female and nine were male. Most participants were undergraduate students, while one participant was enrolled in a master's degree program.

Participants came from seven countries: Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Malaysia, and Thailand. Indonesia contributed the largest number of participants with 11 students, followed by South Korea with six. Malaysia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, and Thailand each sent one participant.

The participants represented various higher education institutions, including Institut Teknologi Bandung, Pusan National University, Diponegoro University, Udayana University, Chulalongkorn University, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

This diversity of academic backgrounds enriched discussions, encouraged the exchange of experiences, and strengthened international academic networks in marine science, coastal studies, and conservation.

Connecting Theory with Field Experience

^{Photo caption: Participants take part in field activities along the coast of Karangasem, Tulamben, Bali.}

Following the online learning sessions, participants joined a field excursion in Karangasem, Bali, home to the MERO Foundation's coastal ecosystem research site.

During the excursion, participants observed coastal ecosystems firsthand, learned marine environmental monitoring techniques, conducted plankton observations, and explored conservation initiatives implemented in the area. The field activities were designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world conservation practices.

Beyond academic activities, participants also joined a cultural immersion program introducing Balinese culture and community-based marine ecotourism as part of sustainable conservation efforts. Through direct interaction with local communities, participants gained deeper insights into the relationship between environmental conservation, culture, and sustainable development.

Participants Highlight Valuable Academic and Cultural Experiences

^{Photo caption: Chris Steven Sado Fodhe Au, Muhammad Zain Imran, and Park Siwoo share their experiences during the FITB ITB Summer Course 2026.}

Participants expressed positive impressions of the program. Chris Steven Sado Fodhe Au from Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha said that the program broadened his understanding of coastal ecosystems, environmental management, and community empowerment.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Zain Imran from Pakistan described the summer course as both informative and enjoyable.

"This program is highly informative and enjoyable for anyone interested in learning about marine conservation and how to protect nature and culture. I had the opportunity to interact with participants from different countries and backgrounds while gaining many new insights," he said.

A similar impression was shared by Park Siwoo from Pukyong National University, South Korea.

"I really enjoyed visiting the MERO Foundation in Bali and participating in various marine activities. I had the opportunity to observe marine organisms firsthand and collaborate with friends from different countries. It was a truly meaningful and valuable experience," he said.

By integrating academic learning, field-based experience, and cultural immersion, the FITB ITB Summer Course 2026 is expected to strengthen young people's capacity to address the challenges of small island conservation, climate change, coastal ecosystem management, and sustainable development in archipelagic countries.

The program also reflects FITB ITB's commitment to advancing international education, research, and collaboration in earth and marine sciences while generating meaningful impacts for society and the environment.

Reporter: Sri Wulandari (Oseanografi, 2022)