Semarang – The Doctoral Program in Social Studies Education (S3 Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial/PIPS), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), successfully held the Open Doctoral Dissertation Defense (Stage II) for doctoral candidate Didik Tri Setiyoko, marking the final stage of his doctoral studies. The defense was conducted in accordance with the Dean’s Decree of FISIP UNNES No. B/573/UN37.1.3/PK.03.00/2026 concerning the Appointment of the Dissertation Examination Committee for the Open Dissertation Defense (Stage II).
During the public defense, Didik Tri Setiyoko presented his dissertation entitled “The Development of a Multicultural Educational Comic for the Javanese-Sundanese (Jasun) Community in Elementary Schools to Foster Students’ Tolerance.” The study proposes an innovative approach to Social Studies (IPS) instruction through a multicultural educational comic designed to cultivate tolerance among elementary school students, particularly within communities characterized by Javanese and Sundanese cultural diversity. The dissertation title is officially stated in the university’s dissertation defense appointment document.
The doctoral dissertation defense serves as the highest academic forum for evaluating the originality, scientific rigor, and scholarly contribution of doctoral research. In this session, the candidate presented the findings of his research and defended its academic merit through an in-depth discussion and examination by a panel of distinguished scholars.
The examination committee appointed by FISIP UNNES consisted of Prof. Dr. Heri Tjahjono, M.Si. as Chair of the Examination Committee, Dr. sos. Puji Lestari, M.Si. as Secretary, and committee members Prof. Dr. Drs. Saliman, M.Pd., Dr. Dra. Elly Kismini, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Arif Purnomo, S.Pd., S.S., M.Pd., Dr. Agustinus Sugeng Priyanto, M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Eva Banowati, M.Si.
The dissertation addresses the growing need to strengthen character education within Indonesia’s multicultural society. By developing a multicultural educational comic as an instructional medium, the research offers an innovative learning resource for Social Studies teachers to instill values of tolerance, appreciation for diversity, and harmonious social interaction among elementary school students.
Educational comics are considered an effective learning medium because they communicate social values through engaging, contextualized narratives that are easily understood by young learners. By integrating multicultural values into stories closely related to students’ everyday experiences, the comic is expected to enhance students’ understanding while nurturing tolerant attitudes from an early age.
The successful implementation of this doctoral dissertation defense reflects the commitment of the Doctoral Program in Social Studies Education at FISIP UNNES to producing graduates who excel academically while contributing innovative educational solutions that address contemporary societal needs.
This scholarly achievement also aligns with Universitas Negeri Semarang’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of a multicultural educational comic directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting innovative teaching media that enhance character education and learning quality. Furthermore, it supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering tolerance, respect for diversity, and a culture of peace among young learners. The research also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by encouraging inclusive attitudes, mutual respect, and reducing the potential for discrimination within educational settings, thereby helping to build a more equitable and cohesive society.
