Semarang—The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Diponegoro University continues to strengthen its commitment to becoming a world-class faculty by fostering international academic collaborations that have a tangible impact on society. One manifestation of this commitment was the International Community Service event organized by the Business Finance Strategy Study Program, Department of Business Administration, FISIP Undip, in collaboration with Kean University, China, on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Tambaklorok, Tanjung Mas, Semarang.
This community service activity was led by Prof. Dr. Drs. Ngatno, M.M., as Chair of the Business Finance Strategy Study Program, along with team members consisting of Dr. Andi Wijayanto, S.Sos., M.Si., Dinalestari Purbawati, S.E., M.Si. Akt., Gilda Maulina, S.AB., M.A.B., and Tita Alfaricha, S.AB., M.A.B. With the theme “Financial Psychology for Financial Resilience: Building Better Financial Habits through Behavioral Insights,” the event featured Galang Lufityanto, Ph.D., from Kean University as the international guest speaker.
This collaboration is part of FISIP UNDIP’s efforts to expand its global academic network while integrating international perspectives into the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Support for these activities is also a key component of FISIP UNDIP’s strategy to promote internationalization—one that goes beyond academic cooperation to generate tangible contributions to society.
The Dean of FISIP UNDIP emphasized that international-scale activities that have a direct impact on the community are part of the agenda that receives the faculty’s full support.
“These activities are fully supported by FISIP UNDIP, especially those on an international scale. Moreover, these activities have a very positive impact on our community.”
This statement reaffirms FISIP UNDIP’s commitment to promoting various forms of international collaboration that are relevant to the community’s needs. Through this approach, internationalization within the faculty is aimed not only at strengthening its reputation and global networks but also at generating social benefits that can be felt directly.
During the main session, participants gained an understanding of the importance of psychological factors in shaping financial behavior and decision-making. The behavioral insights approach was introduced to help the public understand how habits, perceptions, and decision-making patterns can influence long-term financial well-being. Through this understanding, the public is expected to develop wiser financial management habits and enhance their financial resilience in the face of various economic dynamics.
The international dimension of the event was further strengthened by the participation of four international students currently enrolled in a student exchange program and studying in the Department of Business Administration at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Undip. They included one student from Germany, two from Vietnam, and one from Russia. The involvement of these students provides an opportunity for direct cross-cultural interaction and introduces them to how universities in Indonesia apply academic knowledge through community service activities.
The participation of international students in this event also reflects the increasingly open, inclusive, and globally oriented academic environment at Undip’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). Internationalization is realized not only through student mobility and inter-institutional cooperation but also through the involvement of the international academic community in activities that directly address the needs of society. Thus, global collaboration can evolve from the exchange of knowledge into activities that provide concrete social benefits.
To conclude the International Community Service series, participants took part in a mangrove planting activity in the Tambaklorok area. This activity broadened the meaning of community service by integrating aspects of community empowerment and concern for environmental sustainability, particularly for the coastal areas of Semarang. The mangrove planting also served as a contribution to efforts to preserve the coastal ecosystem and foster awareness of the importance of shared responsibility for the environment.
Through this activity, FISIP Undip reaffirmed its commitment to providing world-class higher education that is not only supported by international networks but also realized through academic collaborations that are relevant, inclusive, and impactful for the community. The synergy between FISIP Undip, Kean University, the community, and students from various countries is a tangible manifestation of the internationalization of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, which is oriented toward benefit and sustainability.
Author: Intania Effendi