Mataram, University of Mataram – In a spirit-filled atmosphere, the Research and Community Service Institute of the University of Mataram (LPPM Unram) organized community service activities involving national collaboration between Unram, Halu Oleo University (UHO), Borneo Tarakan University (UBT), and Cordova University Indonesia (UNDOVA). This activity was held on Friday (27/9) in order to celebrate Unram’s 62nd Dies Natalis with the theme “Development of Coastal Areas Towards Sustainable Ecotourism.”

This activity was held at Muluk Beach, Ebangah Hamlet, Sengkol Village, Central Lombok, and was attended by Prof. Dr. Ir. Sukartono, M.Agr. as the Head of LPPM Unram accompanied by the Secretary of LPPM, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Gusti Putu Muliarta Aryana, M.P.; Head of Service Center, Dr. Ni Wayan Sri Suliartini, S.P., M.P.; and Dr. Nunik Cokrowati, S.Pi., M.Si as the Head of the Committee.

Also present were Dr. La Aba, S.Si, M.Si. Head of LPPM UHO; Dr. Etty Wahyuni Ms., S.Hut., M.P., Head of LPPM UBT; and Silmi Kaffah, S.E., M.H. representing the Head of DPPM UNDOVA.

The speakers in this activity included Prof. Ma’ruf Kasim, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D.; Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Dr. Ratno Achyani, S.Pi., M.Si.; Apt. Anggit Listyacahyani Sunarwidhi, S.Farm., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Dr. Kurniawan Yunianto; Silmi Kaffah, S.E., M.H.; and Dr. Nunik Cokrowati, S.Pi., M.Si.

The event aims to empower coastal communities through various initiatives that focus on sustainable natural resource management. Prof. Sukartono in his speech emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and communities.

“We believe that this collaboration will bring positive changes and improve the welfare of coastal communities,” he said.

The professor of Unram’s Faculty of Agriculture emphasized, “Through this collaboration, we hope to produce relevant and applicable community service, and create sustainable coastal area management models. In addition, increasing the knowledge and skills of seaweed farmers is expected to increase their income, create jobs, and lift the overall quality of life of coastal communities. We are committed to continue supporting this initiative for the sake of community welfare and the development of science in the field of ecotourism.”

The activities include a series of discussions and trainings designed to provide the community with new knowledge and skills. One of the main focuses was seaweed cultivation, where a team from UHO, Prof. Maruf Kasim provided training on environmentally friendly cultivation techniques that are effective in increasing the yield of seaweed cultivation.

“Through environmentally friendly technology, we are committed to empowering coastal communities by providing easily accessible tools and methods. With an approach based on ecological principles, we hope to provide solutions that are not only economically efficient, but also able to support the welfare of seaweed farmers,” said Prof. Maruf Kasim.

In addition, discussions on coastal area management were also highlighted. Academics from UBT and UNDOVA educated participants on the importance of maintaining coastal ecosystems to support environmental sustainability. They shared management strategies that can increase the attractiveness of coastal area tourism while maintaining natural preservation.

Dr. Ratno Achyani, S.Pi., M.Si. highlighted that, “Efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem should be a priority for all of us. By maintaining environmental quality, we not only ensure the survival of various marine species, but also increase the productivity of seaweed farming and the sustainability of the sector as a whole.”

Empowering coastal communities is an important pillar of this activity. Through various interactive sessions, participants were invited to contribute to the development of tourism potential in their area. The team from Unram provided guidance on how seaweed farmers support the community’s economy.

At the end of the activity, tools for the seaweed cultivation process were handed over by Unram to the seaweed farming community as Unram’s real action in supporting the development of coastal areas.

Dr. Nunik Cokrowati, S.Pi., M.Si. in her interview emphasized that, “Community service is a shared responsibility that must be carried out by all parties.”

With this activity, it is hoped that it will not only be a celebration of Unram’s Dies Natalis, but also a real step in creating a better and sustainable future for coastal communities. The success of this collaboration is expected to be a model for similar initiatives in the future.