Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) continues to affirm its role as an impactful institution by planning the establishment of a Marine Research Center in Jor Bay area, East Lombok. This research center is designed not only to develop marine and fisheries commodities but also to address the socio-economic challenges of coastal communities—particularly by breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting education among younger generations.

Unram’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sitti Hilyana, explained that since 2003, Unram has been actively involved in empowering the coastal communities of Jor Bay, including by educating and encouraging the sustainable management of natural resources through a blue economy approach.

“One of our early community-based products was crab shell crackers, which made use of crab shell waste from the 811-hectare mangrove area. Our research found that the shells are high in calcium and can be turned into healthy food products,” Prof. Hilyana stated during an interview in Teluk Jor on Wednesday (June 18, 2025).

Today, coastal resource-based products such as crab shell crackers, clam chips, and others have become reliable sources of income for local communities. Some of these products are even supplied to star-rated hotels at premium prices for example, crab breast meat, which sells for up to IDR 250,000 per kilogram.

Furthermore, Prof. Hilyana explained that the silvofishery concept has also been introduced an approach that combines mangrove forest conservation with the cultivation of aquatic species such as crabs, clams, shrimp, squid, and mangrove groupers beneath the mangrove canopy.

“Through Unram’s educational outreach, the community has stopped cutting down mangroves and has come to realize the importance of this ecosystem for both environmental health and economic benefit. In the past, there were many mosquitoes because the mangroves were destroyed. Now, people are protecting them,” she added.

One of the key issues that has also drawn the attention of the University of Mataram is seahorse exploitation. Previously, seahorses were often sold at very low prices by local communities who were unaware of their real value.

“They used to be sold for just IDR 5,000 to 8,000 per seahorse, when in fact, they can fetch up to IDR 11 million abroad. But now, the exploitation has stopped, and we’ve redirected efforts toward conservation,” she explained.

The planned Marine Research Center in Jor Bay is set to become a center for research, training, and the development of marine commodities such as seaweed, lobsters, starfish, and squid while also serving as a conservation center for rare marine species. In addition, Unram will integrate community capacity building into the program.

“Nearly 98% of the local population here lives in poverty, and a lot of them work as migrant laborers. Yet, their marine resources are abundant. Through this research center, we aim to empower them to stay and develop their own region,” Prof. Hilyana stated.

The University of Mataram has also opened access to higher education for children from low-income families around Jor Bay through its Outstanding Underprivileged Admission Track. In addition, outreach to nearby vocational and high schools has been conducted to provide skills training aligned with the region’s natural potential.

The Marine Research Center development plan is currently in the blueprint and planning phase, with funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). One of Unram’s researchers, Dr. Eka, is also establishing collaborative research efforts with partners in Japan and China.

“This area is highly strategic close to small island tourist destinations like Pink Beach. Its marine tourism and service potential are extraordinary. This is not just about commodities; it’s about developing people and their future,” she concluded.