October 29, 2025 – To address the major challenges in Central Java, namely tidal flooding and the need for clean water for industry, the Department of Political and Governmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Diponegoro University (Undip), held a strategic Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The event carried the theme “Building Large-Scale Desalination for Green Industry and Tidal Flood Management in Central Java’s North Coast.”

The FGD, held today, Wednesday (October 29), from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Time) in the FISIP Undip Senate Meeting Room, brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry. The discussion was also attended by representatives from the Central Java Provincial Government, relevant City/Regency Development Planning Agencies (Bappeda), the Regional Water Company (PDAM), and Undip environmental experts.

The discussion was opened by the Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin, and Wijayanto, Ph.D., Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication at Diponegoro University, demonstrated the university leadership’s full support for this initiative.

The main objective of this FGD was to obtain analysis from experts and relevant stakeholders to formulate strategic policy recommendations (policy briefs) for managing tidal flooding in the northern coast of Central Java through the use of desalination technology, while also supporting the spirit of developing green industries.

The forum featured presentations from four keynote speakers. Dr. Zulkifli, Head of the Central Java Regional Development Acceleration Team, discussed “The Governor’s Commitment to Resolving Tidal Floods and Developing Green Industries.” This was followed by Prof. I Nyoman Widiasa, a Desalination Expert from Diponegoro University, who presented “Desalination Models for Tidal Flood Management and Water Supply in Industrial Estates.”

From a business perspective, Dr. Aji Setya Budi, President Director of PT Tirta Utama Jawa Tengah, reviewed “Business Direction and Environmental Support of Central Java Regionally-Owned Enterprises (BUMD) to Clean Water Provision in Industrial Estates.” Meanwhile, Drs. Setyo Adip P, MM, COO of Jatengland, highlighted “The Need for Clean Water in Industrial Areas and Expectations for Tidal Flood Management.”

It is hoped that the results of this intensive discussion will yield comprehensive policy recommendations as input for the Central Java Provincial Government and industry stakeholders, in order to realize innovative, sustainable solutions to environmental and economic challenges in the Pantura area of ??Central Java.