Semarang, February 12, 2026. Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) welcomed a delegation from Shiga Prefecture, Japan, led by Mr. Takeshi Tominaga, along with representatives of the Central Java Provincial Government, to discuss strategic collaboration in water resource management, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy development centered on Rawa Pening.
The meeting was held at the Academic Senate Hall of UNDIP and brought together university leaders, researchers, and government officials to address both the ecological challenges and long-term development potential of Rawa Pening, one of the most significant lake ecosystems in Central Java.
Addressing Ecological Challenges with Applied Innovation
Rawa Pening has faced persistent environmental pressures, particularly the rapid proliferation of water hyacinth, which affects water quality, fisheries, transportation routes, and accelerates sedimentation. These conditions have directly impacted the livelihoods of communities surrounding the lake.
However, the discussion emphasized a shift in perspective—viewing water hyacinth not merely as an environmental burden, but as a potential resource for economic and energy development.
Prof. Setia Budi Sasongko, a researcher from UNDIP, explained that water hyacinth fibers can be processed into ropes and other functional products for various applications. With appropriate innovation and community training, such utilization could support sustainable local enterprises.
Meanwhile, Prof. Syafrudiun highlighted the plant’s potential as a renewable energy source.
“Water hyacinth has strong potential to be converted into biogas and biomass briquettes. With proper technology and community-based systems, it can contribute significantly to local energy resilience,” he noted.
Strengthening Trilateral Collaboration
Vice Rector IV of UNDIP, Mr. Wijayanto, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding collaboration with both the Central Java Provincial Government and Japanese partners. In alignment with UNDIP’s tagline, “Dignified and Beneficial,” he emphasized that the partnership aims to create tangible impact for society.
Representing the Central Java Provincial Government, Mrs. Sarwo Rini, Head of the Bureau of Economic Affairs, stated that the cooperation agenda includes strengthening local economic resilience, improving community capacity in lake-area management, and developing renewable energy models based on biomass derived from water hyacinth.
The Shiga Prefecture delegation expressed readiness to share Japan’s experience in integrated lake management, environmental monitoring systems, and sustainable water governance—expertise considered highly relevant to the long-term revitalization of Rawa Pening.
The Role of the Vocational School in Applied Solutions
The Dean of the Vocational School of UNDIP underscored the importance of integrating technology, vocational education, and community empowerment in addressing the Rawa Pening challenge.
He emphasized that water hyacinth can be transformed into renewable energy resources through community-scale biogas systems and biomass-based enterprises managed by cooperatives, while also serving as a platform for practice-based vocational learning. Director of Innovation and Cooperation of UNDIP, Mrs. Dian, described Rawa Pening as a “living laboratory” for inclusive and collaborative innovation.
Through this trilateral synergy between UNDIP, the Central Java Provincial Government, and Japanese partners, Rawa Pening is expected to become a model for sustainable lake management and community-based renewable energy development in Indonesia. The collaboration marks an important step toward concrete joint initiatives aimed at restoring the lake ecosystem while strengthening the long-term socio-economic resilience of surrounding communities.
*Image Caption. Delegations from Universitas Diponegoro, the Central Java Provincial Government, and Shiga Prefecture, Japan, pose for a group photo at the Academic Senate Hall of UNDIP following the strategic discussion on sustainable management and renewable energy development for Rawa Pening