Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) warmly welcomed the Audience of Collaboration Opportunities with Dr. R. Hendrian, M.Sc., Deputy for Utilization of Research and Innovation from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Rector’s Conference Room, Unram Rectorate.

The meeting discussed the potential collaboration between BRIN and Unram with a focus on developing the blue economy, marine and fisheries sector. This collaboration is focused on empowering coastal communities through the management of salt and seaweed commodities.

During the discussion, Dr. Hendrian emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration to face challenges in the field. “Salt and seaweed have been designated as national priority commodities. Coastal communities should be the main actors in driving this blue economy. However, the reality is that many of them are trapped in poverty. This is like a dead chicken in a rice barn,” he said, describing the potential that has not been optimally utilized.

He also highlighted that to solve this problem, technological intervention alone is not enough. “We need a multi-approach that involves governance, downstreaming, and connecting government, industry, communities, academics, and researchers. All sectors must be involved for the solution to be comprehensive,” Dr. Hendrian explained.

The discussion also explored challenges and opportunities in the field, especially related to the management of salt and seaweed commodities. Limited infrastructure and lack of market access are the main obstacles. However, Dr. Hendrian sees great opportunities in the commercialization of these commodities if the development is made in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

“We want to highlight the importance of empowering coastal communities and ensuring that the technology we develop really suits their needs,” he added.

According to Dr. Hendrian, Lombok is a very interesting area to become a pilot project.

“Lombok is interesting because there is an ecological character that makes Lombok has more value when compared to other regions. With this ecological character, how to link it with the Investment ecosystem that still prioritizes national justice, prioritizes the principles of social justice for all Indonesian people, is pro-environmental, and sustainable,” he continued.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Unram, Prof. Dr. Sitti Hilyana, M.Si. said that Unram is ready to welcome this collaboration with BRIN. “We are more than ready to collaborate both in terms of academics and research. Our research infrastructure is ready and we have excellent teams with experience in marine and fisheries,” she said.

Prof. Nana emphasized the importance of synergy between academic research and implementation in the field, with the hope of having a wide impact on coastal communities, especially in terms of salt and seaweed commodity management.

The Vice Rector also highlighted that Unram is committed to ensuring the development of technology that is appropriate and relevant to local needs. “We believe the results of our research and innovation can be directly applied, providing real benefits to coastal communities, especially in terms of salt and seaweed commodity management,” she added.

This audience was filled with in-depth discussions on collaboration opportunities that will be worked on. Dr. Hendrian stated that this collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of the blue economy with a piloting focus on Lombok, with investments that prioritize the principles of social justice for all Indonesians, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. Dr. Hendrian also expressed that he was honored to have been welcomed so warmly at Unram.

“I feel honored by the warm welcome shown. Please convey my greetings to the entire Unram academic community,” he said in closing.

With a strong spirit of collaboration, Unram and BRIN are ready to go further in creating innovative solutions that are sustainable and have a real positive impact on coastal communities and strengthen the blue economy in Indonesia.