Semarang, 13 August 2025 – The SDGs Center – Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) Universitas Diponegoro hosted the UNDIP Sustainability Talks Special Series: August 2025 with the theme “Learning from China’s Climate Change Policy, Insights for Indonesia and Beyond.” The event, held at the LPPM Seminar Room, ICT Center Building, brought together 30 participants comprising students and academics for a thought-provoking discussion on global climate strategies and their relevance to Indonesia.
The session opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Suherman, S.T., M.T., Head of LPPM UNDIP, representing the Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Rukuh Setiadi, S.T., M.E.M., Ph.D., the event set the stage for an engaging knowledge exchange.
Prof. Suherman delivered the first presentation on “UNDIP’s Contribution on Research and Action on Climate Change”, highlighting the university’s commitment to sustainability through policies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He detailed UNDIP’s achievements across six key pillars: Setting & Infrastructure, Energy & Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Research & Education. Milestones include achieving 87% LED lighting efficiency, 95% waste recycling, 80.28% wastewater reuse, and integrating sustainability into over 89% of courses and 99% of research funding. He also emphasized UNDIP’s role as a knowledge hub in advancing renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, and marine ecosystem restoration, while recommending Indonesia to integrate climate targets, accelerate renewable energy adoption, and strengthen ecosystem protection.
The second keynote was delivered by Professor Alex Lo, Professor of Business and Sustainability at York St John University, UK, on “China’s Climate Policy.” He outlined major shifts in China’s climate strategy since the mid-2000s, including rapid renewable energy growth (from 20.7% in 2006 to 45.1% in 2022 of total installed capacity), the implementation of low-carbon city programs, and the establishment of the world’s largest carbon market. While progress in climate change adaptation has been slower, China continues to position itself as a global climate leader despite economic and infrastructural challenges.
A panel discussion followed with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at UNDIP, focusing on “Indonesia’s Climate Change Policy.” She presented a policy timeline from 1992 to Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission target in 2060, highlighting major milestones such as the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the development of enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the implementation of carbon economy regulations.
The interactive session concluded with a Q&A involving participants Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D. and Ahmad Ni’matullah Al-Baarri, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D., who engaged directly with Prof. Alex Lo on policy integration and adaptation strategies.
The event closed with a certificate presentation by Dessy Ariyanti, Secretary of the SDGs Center, representing Prof. Denny Nugroho Sugianto, Head of the SDGs Center UNDIP, to all speakers, moderators, and panelists.
This special series not only provided valuable insights from China’s climate change experiences but also underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping Indonesia’s sustainable future.
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