The Department of Economics and Development Studies (IESP) of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Diponegoro University again carried out an international service activity entitled International Community Service on May 7, 2026 in Timbulsloko Village, Demak Regency. This activity is part of the International Summer Course in Energy Economics and Economic Development for Coastal Transformation series that has previously taken place at FEB Undip. This service program was initiated by Dr. Jaka Aminata and Prof. Akhmad Syakir Kurnia as a form of international collaboration based on coastal community empowerment with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS.
The activity involved 30 UTP Malaysia students along with Undip student representatives accompanied by a number of lecturers from the IESP FEB Undip Department, including lecturers from the economics study program and the Islamic economics study program, also assisted by education staff.
International Community Service Participant, UTP Malaysia Students
The journey started from the Undip Tembalang campus to the coastal area of Timbulsloko Village, a village that for many years has faced the problem of abrasion and flash floods that are quite severe. This condition causes some village areas to experience land subsidence and increasing seawater inundation, so that access to infrastructure is limited. Upon arrival at the location, the group was warmly welcomed by village officials, including Mr. Carik and representatives of LKMD residents who explained the social and environmental conditions of the local community. Because access to the settlement is not possible for four-wheeled vehicles, participants must continue their journey using small boats alternately to reach the location of the activity in the village.
UTP students’ enthusiasm in the process of installing solar panels
In this activity, the service team installed eight solar panel street lights at a number of street points that became the center of daily community activities. The lights are expected to help illuminate the residents’ environment, especially at night when people are active or pass through coastal areas with minimal lighting. In addition to being a form of social concern, the installation of solar energy-based lights is also a real implementation of the sustainable energy concept learned by participants during summer course activities.
Solar Panels are already functioning in Timbulsloko Village
The people of Timbulsloko Village expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the assistance provided. Residents admitted that the existence of the solar lights was very helpful in their daily activities, especially in improving the safety and comfort of the environment at night. Through this activity, FEB Undip and UTP Malaysia hope that international collaboration will not only stop at classroom learning, but also be able to have a real impact on coastal communities who face environmental challenges and economic development directly.
