One of the tangible efforts in the internationalization strategy consistently pursued by the Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University (FKM UNDIP), is the annual Summer Course program. In 2025, the program enters its 7th edition, carrying the theme “Community Participation in Public Health: Public Health Through the Lens of Traditional Culture and Local Wisdom,” which commenced on May 15, 2025. The program includes lecture sessions until May 24, 2025, followed by assignments through MOOCs until July 2025.
This program is a structured learning session aimed at broadening participants’ perspectives on community engagement in health through cultural and local wisdom approaches. It also offers practical experiences and opportunities for personal capacity development within the context of cross-cultural health collaboration.
The event successfully attracted 34 participants from 14 different countries, reflecting global enthusiasm for culture-based public health issues. Over the course of 10 days, the 2025 FKM UNDIP Summer Course presented 16 learning modules delivered by 17 speakers from various renowned institutions, including the Faculty of Public Health Diponegoro University, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, WHO Indonesia, University of Canberra Health Research Institute, Jamu Sumber Husodo, Wahana Bakti Foundation, and water hyacinth artisans from Rawa Pening. As part of the international agenda, one module was delivered by a guest lecturer from abroad, Dr. Kinley Wangdi from the University of Canberra Health Research Institute, who presented on spatial analysis for public health.
Each session featured active participation from attendees, who engaged enthusiastically in discussions throughout the modules. Interaction took place via synchronous meetings on Zoom and asynchronously via the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) platform, providing flexible access to learning materials.
Speakers consistently expressed their appreciation for the participants’ enthusiasm and active involvement. The event also served as a collaborative platform connecting individuals from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, opening opportunities for expanding international networks and enriching perspectives on community involvement in health development based on local wisdom.
As a token of appreciation for the participants’ dedication and active involvement, on the final day of the Summer Course, May 24, 2025, the committee presented awards to the Best Participants and the Most Loyal Participant.
The Best Participant awards were given to Von Kok Yean (Malaysia), Sumayya K. Dandago (Nigeria), and Bashir M. Mohamoud (Somalia) for their outstanding contributions and engagement throughout the program. Meanwhile, the Most Loyal Participant award was presented to Zohaib Hassan Sain (Pakistan) in recognition of his consistent participation in the entire series of activities.
In the closing session, Cita Fitria Putri, M.P.H., Chair of the 2025 FKM UNDIP Summer Course Committee, emphasized the importance of a multidimensional approach in public health, particularly through the integration of traditional culture and local wisdom as contextual solutions to various health challenges. She also encouraged all participants to continue collaborating with FKM UNDIP through two upcoming international events: the 6th ICOPH-TCD Conference in July 2025 and the 8th Summer Course scheduled for September 2025.
Meanwhile, the Dean of FKM UNDIP, Dr. Budiyono, expressed his hope that the collaborations established through this program would continue to grow into other forms of academic cooperation in the future. He also extended his highest appreciation to all participants and the organizing committee for the successful implementation of the 7th Summer Course, particularly to those who remained active in live sessions despite significant time zone differences with Indonesia.