UNIBA HOLDS A DISSEMINATION, FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD), AND CURRICULUM WORKSHOP FOR THE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN REGIONAL PLANNING

Batam — The Master’s Program in Regional Planning (MPW) at Universitas Batam (UNIBA) held a Dissemination, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Curriculum Workshop on October 5 and 8, 2026. The activities were conducted in a hybrid format at Rumengan Hall, Universitas Batam, and via Zoom Meeting. The events brought together academics and practitioners in regional planning to discuss regional development issues, particularly coastal areas, local wisdom, industry, and the development of an adaptive MPW curriculum that responds to regional needs and labor market demands.

The activities were attended by students and participants from various institutions, government agencies, professional associations, and universities. The participation of diverse stakeholders provided a platform for discussion and the exchange of ideas at the national level.

The events featured academics and practitioners with expertise in regional and urban planning. The discussions were moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Santy Paulla Dewi, S.T., M.T., a lecturer at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Universitas Diponegoro, who guided the discussions throughout the program.

Three speakers contributed to the discussions: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, S.T., M.T., MPS, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Association of Planning Schools (ASPI) and Professor at Universitas Diponegoro; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Yuanita FD Sidabutar, S.T., M.Si., Deputy Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) and Head of the Master’s Program in Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batam; and Dr. Ir. Alpano Priyandes, S.T., M.Sc., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Head of the Urban and Regional Planning Studio, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batam.

The events also featured Evy Yusriani, S.T., M.Sc., Head of the Strategic Program Planning Center at the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam), who served as a discussant.

On Monday, October 5, 2026, the activities focused on disseminating research findings and ideas, as well as discussing regional development issues.

In remarks delivered on behalf of the Rector of Universitas Batam, the Director of Academic Administration expressed appreciation to the MPW Study Program for initiating the activities. The Director expressed hope that the academic forum would broaden perspectives on the program’s development and support the preparation of graduates who are adaptable and capable of competing at the global level.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, S.T., M.T., MPS, from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), explained that her research has primarily focused on coastal area management. Her participation provided an opportunity to broaden perspectives on the characteristics and challenges of coastal areas beyond Java Island, while strengthening academic and research networks between institutions.

The speakers’ presentations served as a basis for discussions that examined regional development from various perspectives, ranging from ecological and social issues to industrial potential. The discussions also explored how regional planning can promote competitive development while maintaining sustainability and respecting local characteristics.

The series of activities continued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with a focus on developing and refining the curriculum of the Master’s Program in Regional Planning at Universitas Batam. The workshop was again conducted in a hybrid format at Rumengan Hall, Universitas Batam, and via Zoom Meeting.

In remarks delivered on behalf of the Rector of UNIBA, the Head of the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) of Universitas Batam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Nurhatisyah, S.T., S.S.T., M.Kom., emphasized that the curriculum workshop was not merely intended to review curriculum documents, but also to ensure that the education provided could address real-world needs and challenges.

She highlighted the importance of producing MPW graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to identify real-world problems, utilize technology, and formulate solutions that positively impact society and regional development.

During the curriculum development session, Prof. Dr. sc. Agr. Iwan Rudiarto, S.T., M.Sc., and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Yuanita FD Sidabutar, S.T., M.Si., provided insights and recommendations for the development of the MPW curriculum. The discussions addressed curriculum alignment with advances in regional planning, labor market needs, technological developments, and the characteristics and challenges of regional development, particularly in the Riau Islands Province.

Through this series of dissemination activities, FGD sessions, and curriculum workshops, the Master’s Program in Regional Planning at UNIBA seeks to develop a curriculum that is relevant, adaptive, and responsive to regional development needs. These activities also reflect Universitas Batam’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of higher education by ensuring that its curriculum aligns with scientific advancements, societal needs, labor market demands, and the challenges of competitive and sustainable development.