Mataram, University of Mataram — From the madak tradition to the untapped potential of edible macroalgae, research on Lombok’s coastal communities and marine resources has found a platform for discussion within the international academic community. The opportunity came through the KONEKSI Visiting Fellowship of The Australian National University (ANU) Indonesia Project in Canberra, Australia, awarded to Dr. Nurliah, S.Pi., M.Si., a lecturer in the Marine Science Study Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram (Unram).

Dr. Nurliah took part in the fellowship for more than a month, from 4 September to 6 October 2026, at ANU. The programme provided an opportunity to strengthen research methodologies, develop academic communication skills through presentations and scholarly discussions, and advance research findings towards publication.

During her time at ANU, Dr. Nurliah not only participated in academic activities but also brought her research to several forums, creating opportunities to exchange ideas with researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Bringing Lombok Research to ANU Academic Forums

One of the key experiences during the fellowship was the opportunity to present her research at a Postgraduate Workshop at ANU. At the forum, Dr. Nurliah presented her research entitled “The ‘Madak’ Tradition and Marine Resource Sustainability in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia: Insights from University Students.”

The study explores the traditional practice of madak and its relationship with the utilisation and sustainability of marine resources in West Nusa Tenggara, examining how the tradition is understood from the perspective of university students.

Another opportunity came through the Indonesia Study Group (ISG) Seminar, where Dr. Nurliah served as a presenter and shared her research entitled “Unlocking Underutilized Edible Macroalgae for Inclusive Coastal Food System Transformation: A GEDSI-Based Study in Lombok, Indonesia.”

The research examines the potential of underutilised edible macroalgae and how these resources could contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable transformation of coastal food systems. The Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach was used to explore how such transformation can involve a broader range of coastal communities.

Both studies strengthen the connection between Dr. Nurliah’s research and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her work on marine resource sustainability and the utilisation of macroalgae as part of coastal food systems contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, particularly by strengthening knowledge on the sustainable use of marine resources. Meanwhile, the GEDSI perspective in developing inclusive coastal food systems contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting greater attention to equality and the participation of diverse groups in coastal community development.

From Presentations to the Exchange of Ideas

For Dr. Nurliah, the ANU fellowship was also an opportunity to learn through direct interaction with researchers and academics from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

The discussions throughout the programme provided opportunities to gain new perspectives on research approaches, deepen her methodological understanding, and explore potential avenues for further research development and scholarly publication.

The experience was further enriched through her participation in the 43rd Indonesia Update, an annual academic forum that brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to discuss developments in Indonesia from a range of perspectives.

Beyond seminars and scholarly discussions, Dr. Nurliah also had the opportunity to take part in a discussion and dinner with the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia. The meeting became another valuable part of the fellowship experience, expanding her professional network and perspectives on Indonesian issues in an international context.

Expanding Networks, Strengthening Research from Lombok

The KONEKSI Visiting Fellowship of The ANU Indonesia Project offered an experience that extended beyond presenting research. Dr. Nurliah had the opportunity to test ideas through discussion, receive feedback from the international academic community, and build networks that could open pathways for future research collaboration, particularly on inclusive development in remote island regions and coastal communities across Indonesia, with attention to gender, disability, and social inclusion.

For Unram, the experience reinforces the role of academics in bringing knowledge rooted in local contexts into global academic spaces. Research on the ocean, coastal food systems, community traditions, and inclusive development does not stop at the local level; it can become part of a broader international scholarly conversation.

From Lombok to Canberra, Dr. Nurliah brought research rooted in local challenges into an international academic space. From there, new knowledge, networks, and perspectives can return to strengthen research and open wider opportunities for collaboration that benefit coastal communities.