Mataram, University of Mataram – The Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs at the University of Mataram (Unram), Prof. Dr. Sukardi, M.Pd., conducted a direct inspection of the planned construction of the International Tropical Seaweed Center (ITSC) and the Island Medical Specialist Clinic in Ekas Bay, East Lombok Regency (18/25). The visited location is a 30-acre land grant from the East Lombok Regional Government, which will serve as Unram’s pilot project for a community-impact campus.

During the visit, Prof. Sukardi was accompanied by the Chair of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sukartono, M.Agr.; ITSC representative, Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), Dr. dr. Arfi Syamsun, Sp.KF., M.Si.Med.; the Head of the Aquaculture Study Programme, Dr. Nunik Cokrowati; the Unram BMN team; and officials from the East Lombok Regency government.

Prof. Sukardi emphasised that the development of this facility has the potential to continue to grow with the support of the community. ‘While it is currently 30 acres, once construction begins, it will be expanded. Insya Allah, under the direction of the Rector, in early 2026 we will begin construction of the ITSC secretariat and the Islands Medical Specialist Clinic,” he said.

Center for Research and Community Empowerment

Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, Ph.D, a seaweed researcher at Unram and representative of ITSC, explained that the presence of this international laboratory is not solely focused on research activities.

“ITSC is not only focused on research laboratories but also on community empowerment. This empowerment includes training in seaweed cultivation to make it more effective and capable of improving residents’ economy,” he explained.

The existence of ITSC is expected to be the main activator of improving the quality of seaweed cultivation in East Lombok, as well as becoming a centre of innovation in the development of leading coastal commodities.

The First Specialised Island Medical Clinic in Indonesia

Dean of FKIK, Dr. dr. Arfi Syamsun, emphasised that this integrated laboratory will be equipped with educational facilities and health services through the Island Medical Specialist Clinic—the first and only specialist programme of its kind in Indonesia.

“This laboratory is vital because it will become a center for learning and health services, not only for medical students but also for island medical specialists. It is important as a lifeline for island communities and for strengthening health services in the NTB region,” he said.

Research, Practicum, and Community Service Center

The Head of the Unram Aquaculture Study Programme, Dr. Nunik Cokrowati, added that the location will function as a field laboratory for the development of aquaculture, particularly seaweed innovation.

“This location will be a center for student activities, field practicums, as well as a center for research and community service. Since 2008, we have been implementing the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education) in the Ekas Bay area,” she explained.

A New Milestone for Unram’s Contribution to the Region

With the synergy between research, education, health services, and community empowerment, the ITSC and Island Medical Specialist Clinic development project is expected to be a new milestone for Unram in strengthening its role as an institution that has a real impact on coastal communities and the development of the West Nusa Tenggara region.