SEMARANG – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (FK UNDIP) successfully hosted the International Summer Course on Health Resilience in Disaster: Community and Clinical Responses to Climate Risks from August 3–13, 2026. The international program brought together 126 participants from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia for a series of academic sessions, disaster response simulations, community engagement activities, and field experiences in Semarang, Jepara, and Karimunjawa.
The program served as a platform for cross-country learning and knowledge exchange, strengthening participants’ understanding of the health impacts of climate change while enhancing the capacity of communities and healthcare professionals to respond effectively to disaster situations.
Participants represented several higher education institutions, including Universitas Diponegoro, Koriyama Women’s University, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. A total of 18 speakers from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States contributed to the learning sessions, offering multidisciplinary perspectives.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Global Collaboration
The FK UNDIP International Summer Course commenced with an Opening Ceremony on August 3, 2026, held at the RSG Building, 3rd Floor, Building A, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro.
The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication of Universitas Diponegoro, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D. The ceremony was also attended by the Vice Dean of FK UNDIP, dr. Muflihatul Muniroh, M.Si., Med., Ph.D., and the Chair of the International Summer Course, Melda Oktaviana, S.Gz., M.Gz.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a comprehensive learning program designed to bring together academic, clinical, public health, nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, and other related perspectives to strengthen health resilience in addressing disasters and the risks posed by climate change.
Discussing the Health Impacts of Climate Change
During the first five days, participants took part in an academic learning program organized around five main subthemes.
The first day, August 3, 2026, focused on the theme “Epidemiology of Climate-Related Disasters.” The sessions were delivered by Prof. Dra. Ani Margawati, M.Kes., Ph.D.; apt. Gde Yulian Yogadhita, M.Epid.; and Dr. dr. Budi Laksono, M.HSc.
The discussion continued on the second day with the subtheme “Behavior and Disaster-Related Health Issues.” Participants gained insights into behavioral aspects and various health issues associated with disaster situations through sessions led by Ahmad Syauqy, S.Gz., M.P.H., Ph.D., Dietisien; Ns. Sri Padma Sari, S.Kep., MNS., Ph.D.; Prof. dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto, M.Si.Med., Sp.And(K)., M.M.R., Ph.D.; and Ns. Nana Rochana, S.Kep., MN.
The third day focused on “Food Security and Nutrition Resilience in Climate Disasters,” featuring Prof. Ma. Theresa M. Talavera, Mursid Tri Susilo, S.Gz., M.Gz., and Gemala Anjani, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D. The topic highlighted the importance of food security and nutrition as integral components of efforts to build communities resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters.
On the fourth day, participants explored “Community Resilience and Coping Strategies” with Prof. Jody R. Lori, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN; drg. Atik Ramadhani, Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Diana Nur Afifah, S.TP., M.Si.; and Megah Andriany, S.Kp., M.Kep., Sp.Kom., Ph.D.
Meanwhile, the fifth day addressed “Medication Therapy Management During Disasters,” with sessions delivered by Prof. Dr. Alfi Khatib; Ns. Nur Hafizhah Widyaningtyas, M.Kep.; Mitsuki Ishibuchi; and Assoc. Prof. Gs. Ts. Dr. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail.
The academic sessions provided participants with opportunities to explore health resilience from diverse perspectives while encouraging knowledge exchange between participants and academics from different countries.
From the Classroom to Disaster Response Simulations
Following the academic learning sessions, participants moved on to the practical application of their knowledge through assignments and field-based activities.
On August 8, 2026, participants completed an assignment as part of the learning process. The program continued on August 10, 2026, with a community service activity and a disaster simulation drill at the Marine Science Techno Park (MSTP) of Universitas Diponegoro in Jepara.
The selection of a coastal area as the activity site provided participants with a real-world context for understanding the health and disaster-related challenges faced by coastal communities. Through the community service activities, participants not only gained practical field experience but also interacted directly with local communities.
Meanwhile, the disaster simulation drill gave participants an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in responding to disaster scenarios in a more practical and collaborative setting.
This approach was an important component of the International Summer Course, as participants not only gained knowledge through lectures and discussions but were also encouraged to understand how disaster response is implemented within the context of community life.
Understanding Coastal Community Resilience in Karimunjawa
The program continued in Karimunjawa on August 11–12, 2026, through a field trip and field-based learning experiences. On August 11, participants visited several locations, including Bobby Beach, Bukit Love, and Tanjung Gelam Beach. These activities provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the characteristics of coastal environments and potential risks associated with climate change.
The following day, August 12, 2026, the activities continued with snorkeling at the Menjangan Coral Reef, followed by visits to Geleyang Island and the Shark Conservation Area, as well as a Dinner & Cultural Immersion Session.
The series of activities broadened participants’ perspectives, demonstrating that climate resilience is not limited to clinical and healthcare service aspects but is also closely connected to environmental conditions, coastal ecosystems, community resilience, food security, and the sustainability of communities’ social and economic lives.
Building Cross-Border Academic Networks
Beyond providing academic and field-based experiences, the FK UNDIP International Summer Course 2026 also served as a platform for strengthening international networks. The participation of students and academics from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia created opportunities to exchange experiences and perspectives on health and disaster-related challenges in their respective countries.
The participants’ diverse institutional, cultural, and experiential backgrounds became a valuable asset throughout the learning process. Through discussions and interactions during the program, participants not only gained new knowledge but also established connections that could develop into academic and professional collaborations in the future.
Concluding the Program with a Spirit of Collaboration
Following eleven days of academic sessions, simulations, community service, and field experiences, the FK UNDIP International Summer Course 2026 concluded on August 13, 2026.
The program demonstrated the commitment of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, to strengthening medical and health education that responds to global challenges, particularly climate change and disaster risks. By integrating community and clinical responses, the program positioned health resilience as a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, countries, and communities.
The FK UNDIP International Summer Course 2026 is expected to extend beyond an academic program and serve as a starting point for developing sustainable networks and collaborations to address climate change-related health challenges. By bringing together knowledge, experience, and perspectives from different countries, FK UNDIP continues to foster a generation of healthcare professionals equipped not only with clinical competencies but also with an understanding of the social, environmental, and humanitarian contexts essential to building health resilience in disaster. (Humas FK Undip)
