The successful collaboration between Universitas Airlangga, IFI Surabaya, Germany House, WUACD, and the Faculty of Social and Political Science culminated in the creation of the “1st Global Colloquium on Photography and New Media Education for Youth Empowerment” held on September 14-15, 2023. This pioneering collaboration brought together experts and resources to introduce the concept of residential photography focusing on East Java, particularly in the cities of Surabaya and Malang. The primary objective of the residential topic was to establish a continuous collaborative platform, aiming to address and alleviate challenges encountered in photography, specifically related to evolving technologies and knowledge in the field. One significant outcome of this collaborative effort was the development of ethnic photography that celebrated and honored Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. In particular, a spotlight was cast on the Tengger ethnic group in Bromo, offering them a notable platform for presentation in front of industry experts, notably through the involvement of the ALIT agency in Bromo. This initiative aimed to support and preserve traditional resources, aligning with the mission to assist in the conservation of Indonesia’s cultural legacy.

By engaging and collaborating with the younger generation in the realm of photography, a diverse array of participants from Singapore, Italy, Lithuania, Germany, France, and Indonesia engaged in a valuable exchange of knowledge during the event. The continuity of this collaborative agenda was strongly emphasized, with an intention to support and maintain this cross-cultural learning and sharing platform. Furthermore, the role of media in the photography sector was highlighted for its pivotal role in enhancing the quality and expanding the visual perception. The platform aimed to augment the understanding and appreciation of visual art and its impact, utilizing media as a tool to enrich the experience and interaction with photography. This also implemented the SDGs number 16 as Strong Institutions and number 17 as Partnership for the Goals.