The Department of Geography at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) welcomed an academic visit from students and faculty members of the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) on Wednesday (6/12). This visit marked a significant step in the ongoing international collaboration between the two institutions in the fields of geographical education and research.
On the first day of the visit, NTNU participants engaged in a series of activities organized and facilitated by the Department of Geography UNNES, involving international students from the same department. A key agenda of the program was a field visit to the Jatibarang Reservoir, an exemplary model of water resource management in the Semarang region.
The program began with a presentation by the Pemali Juana River Basin Organization (BBWS) titled “Integrated Management of Reservoir Areas and Surrounding Communities for the Implementation of EP Activities at Jatibarang Reservoir.” The session offered a comprehensive explanation of reservoir management strategies that integrate ecological and socio-economic dimensions while actively engaging local communities.
The presentation provided NTNU students with valuable insights into water resource management practices in Indonesia, which differ significantly in geographical and social contexts from those in Taiwan.
Following the presentation, the participants conducted a field observation at the Jatibarang Reservoir. They explored various facilities, including water gates, distribution channels, and water storage areas. On-site explanations were delivered by BBWS representatives and faculty members of the UNNES Geography Department, enriching the participants’ contextual learning experience.
This program is expected to further strengthen academic collaboration between UNNES and NTNU and broaden students’ perspectives in understanding global geographical issues through cross-national engagement.