Writer: Lathifa Nursyamsu, S.Ars., M.Arch. | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Batam, Thursday, 6 November 2025 — The opening ceremony of the UIB–UTM Joint International Workshop: Navigating Nature and Culture – Exploring Mangrove Conservation and Cultural Landscapes in Kampung Tua Bakau Serip, Batam for Ecosystem Sustaina0bility was officially held from 17.30 to 21.00 WIB at the Auditorium, 2nd Floor of the Faculty of Medicine Building, Universitas Internasional Batam. The event marked the beginning of 3-days collaboration between Architecture Study Program of Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) and Landscape Architecture of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) focusing on ecological sustainability and cultural understanding in one of Batam’s most historically rich regions.
The ceremony began with a warm opening by the Master of Ceremony, Fadhilla Sofia, a 2023 Architecture student from UIB, who welcomed all attendees and introduced the program outline. Representing UIB, Ms. Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, Head of the International Relations Office (IRO) UIB, delivered the first welcome speech. She greeted the UTM delegation and presented an overview of UIB, highlighting the university’s commitment to international collaboration and academic exchange.
(Remarks and Presentation by the Head of UIB IRO, Ms. Theodesia Lady Pratiwi)
This was followed by a speech from Dr. Lee Yoke Lai, Head of the Landscape Architecture Department at UTM. Dr. Lee formally introduced the UTM team, consisting of 12 fourth-year Landscape Architecture’s undergraduate students and 8 professional students from Landscape Architecture School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE). She also presented an overview of UTM, especially the Landscape Architecture Department, and concluded her remarks with a brief introduction to the overall structure of the workshop activities.
(Remarks and Presentation by the Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture, UTM, Dr. Lee Yoke Lai)
Next, Stivani Ayuning Suwarlan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Head of the Architecture Study Program at UIB, delivered her welcoming remarks. She expressed her appreciation for the UTM delegation and conveyed hope for a meaningful and productive program. Dr. Stivani also presented a lecture titled “Dynamic Growth and Ecology of Batam Island & Bakau Serip.” Her presentation covered the development of Batam City, its cultural aspects, and a detailed explanation of Kampung Tua Bakau Serip—its location, mangrove forest, ecosystem, ecotourism potential, and current environmental issues. She concluded her session with a message to all participants: “I hope all of you, both from UIB and UTM, can participate actively in this workshop and gain meaningful benefits from it.”
(Remarks and Presentation by the Head of the Architecture Study Program, UIB, Stivani Ayuning Suwarlan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.)
The academic portion continued with a presentation by Dr. Rohana Binti Mohd Firdaus, a lecturer in Landscape Architecture at UTM. Dr. Rohana delivered an informative briefing on mangrove plants and their ecosystem, preparing students for the upcoming field observation. Her presentation encouraged active student participation as she guided them to recognize various mangrove species and their characteristics.
(Presentation by Dr. Rohana Binti Mohd Firdaus)
Following Dr. Rohana’s presentation, a certificate and plaque presentation ceremony was held. On behalf of UIB, Dr. Stivani presented certificates and plaques of appreciation to Dr. Lee and Dr. Rohana as representatives of UTM. The gesture symbolized UIB’s gratitude and recognition of UTM’s contribution to the collaborative workshop. In return, the UTM delegation presented a token of appreciation to UIB in the form of a framed artwork featuring the official workshop logo. This exchange of mementos reflected the warm partnership and mutual respect between the two institutions.
(Exchange of Plaques, Certificates, and Souvenirs between UIB and UTM)
After the formal presentations, workshop participants were divided into five groups, each consisting of six members—two students from UIB and four from UTM and SPACE. Participants were encouraged to get acquainted, exchange contact information, and begin discussing their plan for the next day’s field observation at Kampung Tua Bakau Serip. The evening also included the distribution of souvenirs from UIB to all workshop participants, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange.
(Workshop Participants from UIB and UTM)
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo session and final reminders from the organizing committee regarding the schedule and preparation for the next day’s activities. Students were advised on what to bring for the mangrove forest observation and planting activity.
(Group Photo at the Closing of the Opening Ceremony)
The event ended with high enthusiasm from both universities, marking a strong start to a collaborative workshop dedicated to environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation.
Undergraduate Program in Architecture
Universitas Internasional Batam
