As part of Universitas Diponegoro’s (Undip) role as a core partner in the Global Center of Spatial Methods for Urban Sustainability (SMUS) network, coordinated by Technische Universität (TU) Berlin and funded by the German Government, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), Faculty of Engineering, Undip, organised the SMUS Science Communication Project Exhibition entitled “Ec(h)otones Co-creation: Bridging the Natural and Built Environment in the North Coast of Java, Indonesia” on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. The exhibition was attended by 163 participants from government institutions, academia, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the general public.
The SMUS Science Communication Project focuses on the production of innovative science communication media to introduce the concept of ec(h)otone. The term ec(h)otone is intended to echo the concept of ecotone as a transitional space between ecosystems and to use it as a lens for understanding complex urban issues, commonly known as wicked urban problems. In this project, Undip took a particular focus on the ec(h)otone case in the Semarang–Demak coastal area, which demonstrates transitions from land to sea as well as from urban to rural contexts.
“This year’s activities were conducted to provide perspectives on what ec(h)otone is. Our current focus in observing the ec(h)otone is on a disaster-prone coastal transition area, where much of the land is transforming into water,” said Prof. Dr.sc.agr. Iwan Rudiarto, a member of the SMUS Science Communication Project team at Undip.
The SMUS Science Communication Project exhibition presents a variety of interactive media, including the ecotone time map displayed in both physical and digital formats, feature videos, and 360-degree videos showcased through virtual reality technology. All outputs are designed to communicate the concept of ec(h)otone in the Semarang–Demak area in an engaging and accessible manner, while also offering new perspectives on coastal and urban challenges. In addition to exploring the exhibition, visitors can participate in interactive ec(h)otone-related activities and have the opportunity to receive various merchandise.
Through this event, the DURP Faculty of Engineering hopes to strengthen knowledge dissemination to advance research on ec(h)otone, as well as encouraging cross-stakeholder dialogue to support more integrated ec(h)otone-related initiatives. The activity also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by providing new perspectives for identifying wicked urban problems. Furthermore, the exhibition is expected to enhance Undip’s role within international research and science communication networks, in line with its vision of becoming a World Class University.