TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Pingtung University of Science and Technology recently invited young Indonesian leaders to visit ecotourism communities in Taiwan.

Three youth leaders were selected, including two Indigenous representatives from the Lio and Manggarai tribes on Flores Island. The trip was part of the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility (USR) project, which promotes the Japanese concept of “Satoyama.”

From July 7-13, they visited five communities: Kabalelhadhane in Pingtung’s Wutai Township, Lide and Gangkou in Pingtung’s Manzhou Township, Liugui District in Kaohsiung, and Mingde in Miaoli’s Touwu Township, CNA reported. These communities, ranging from Indigenous villages to coastal settlements, exemplify Taiwan’s commitment to biodiversity, cultural preservation, and community-based economic sustainability through long-term local engagement.

NPUST Professor Chen Mei-hui (陳美惠) said the USR project aims to create platforms for international dialogue and promote Satoyama economy, while also forming new ecotourism networks between Taiwan and Southeast Asia.