UNIBA HOLDS DISSEMINATION FORUM, FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION, AND CURRICULUM WORKSHOP FOR THE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN REGIONAL PLANNING

Batam — The Master of Regional Planning Study Program (MPW) of Universitas Batam organized a series of academic activities comprising a dissemination session, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and a Curriculum Workshop on 5 and 8 October 2026. The activities were conducted in a hybrid mode at Rumengan Hall, Universitas Batam, and through Zoom Meeting. The series of activities brought together academics and practitioners in regional planning to examine issues in regional development, particularly coastal areas, local wisdom, and industry, as well as the development of an MPW curriculum that responds to regional and professional demands.

The event was attended by students and participants from various institutions, agencies, associations, and universities. This diverse participation made the event a national forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas.

The sessions featured academics and practitioners with expertise in regional and urban planning. The discussions were moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Santy Paula Dewi, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP).

The keynote contributions were delivered by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, ST., MT., MPS, Secretary General of the Association of Indonesian Planning Schools (ASPI) and Professor at Universitas Diponegoro; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Yuanita FD Sidabutar, ST., 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, ST., M.Sc., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Head of the Regional and Urban Planning Studio, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batam.

The event also welcomed Evy Yusriani, S.T., M.Sc., Head of the Center for Strategic Program Planning at the Batam BP Office, who attended as a guest participant.

On Monday, October 5, 2026, the activities focused on disseminating research findings and scholarly perspectives, as well as facilitating discussions on regional development.

In remarks delivered on behalf of the Rector of Universitas Batam, the Director of Academic Administration expressed appreciation to the MPW Program for organizing the activities. He hoped that this academic forum would enrich perspectives on the development of the MPW Study Program and support the production of graduates who are adaptable and able to compete globally.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, ST., MT., MPS of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) noted that her recent research has focused on coastal area management. Her participation provided an opportunity to broaden participants’ understanding of the distinctive characteristics and challenges of coastal areas beyond Java, while also strengthening academic collaboration between institutions.

The speakers’ presentations served as material for participants to examine regional development from multiple perspectives, ranging from ecological and social issues to industrial potential. The discussion also explored how regional planning can produce competitive development approaches while remaining attentive to sustainability and local characteristics.

The event continued on Thursday, 8 October 2026, with a focus on developing and refining the Curriculum of the Master of Regional Planning Study Program at Universitas Batam. The activity was again held in a hybrid format at Rumengan Hall, Universitas Batam, and via Zoom Meeting.

On behalf of the Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Nurhatisyah, ST., SST., M.Kom, Head of the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM), underscored that the workshop sought not merely to review the curriculum document but also to ensure that the education delivered is capable of addressing real-world needs and problems.

She emphasized the importance of producing graduates who possess sound theoretical understanding, the capacity to identify practical problems, proficiency in leveraging technology, and the ability to formulate solutions that contribute to society and regional development.

During the curriculum 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 discussion addressed the alignment of the curriculum with developments in regional planning, labor market requirements, technological advancement, and the distinctive characteristics and development challenges of the Riau Islands.

Through these activities, the Master of Regional Planning Study Program seeks to develop a curriculum that is relevant, adaptive, and responsive to regional development needs. The initiative also reflects Universitas Batam’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of higher education through curriculum development aligned with scientific advancement, societal needs, and the demands of the world of work, as well as with the imperatives of competitive and sustainable development.