Odhisa, India – August 2025, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Diponegoro University (FEB Undip) continues to expand its international network through the Student Go International (SGI) program, part of the FEB Undip World Class University (WCU) program. In August 2025, a delegation of FEB Undip students had the opportunity to participate in the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Field School held at Chilika Lagoon, Odhisa, India.
Immersing themselves in the Lives of Coastal Communities
Chilika Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon in Asia and a significant center of biodiversity. During the event, FEB Undip students, along with other international participants, were invited to immerse themselves in the lives of local communities who have lived in harmony with nature for decades.
They learned firsthand how coastal communities adapt to climate change, develop ecotourism based on migratory birds, and maintain a balance between family economic needs and ecosystem conservation.
Contributions of Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Undip Students
The participation of Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Undip students extends beyond participating in activities. They also contribute through reflective writing published on the international platform V2V Global Partnership. These writings illustrate the unique perspectives of Indonesian students on global issues:
- Ika Suciati writes about the transformation of communities from wildlife hunters to conservationists in her article “From Poaching to Protection: Lessons from Mangala Jodi Wetland Conservation.”
- Indah Susilowati emphasizes the importance of learning in the outdoors in “Studying can be from Lagoon, Forest, or any other Place.”
- I Wayan Pande Sutawan highlights the wisdom of the Uparadikiri indigenous community in preserving nature in his article “The Symphony of Culture and Nature: Uparadikiri’s Wisdom for Sustainable Futures.”
- Jubekti Anggoro highlights the dual role of women in the economic sustainability of families and communities in her article “From Fish to Family: Women’s Triple Roles in Sustaining Livelihood Resilience.”
Valuable Cross-Disciplinary Experience
This Field School activity provides a valuable opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning—combining economics, social studies, culture, and the environment within a single, hands-on learning framework. Students experience firsthand how cultural values, social solidarity, and local leadership can strengthen community resilience in facing the challenges of the times.
For the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Undip, student involvement in international programs like this demonstrates a concrete commitment to promoting the internationalization of higher education, strengthening students’ academic capacity, and preparing them to become a generation that is globally competitive and concerned with sustainability.
