Unhas-Hiroshima University Boost Sustainable Coastal Research

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As coastal nations race to balance food production with ecosystem protection, two Asian universities are advancing a joint model that blends mangrove restoration with sustainable aquaculture.

Indonesia's Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and Japan's Hiroshima University have strengthened collaboration in sustainable marine research, particularly through a joint Mangrove Restoration and Aquaculture project designed as a science- and innovation-based coastal management model.

Speaking in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Unhas Rector Jamaluddin Jompa (JJ) said the program is structured to integrate mangrove ecosystem restoration with environmentally friendly and productive aquaculture systems.

He emphasized that mangrove restoration and aquaculture are strategic sectors highly relevant to Indonesia’s identity as an archipelagic nation. According to him, the collaboration has the potential to drive impactful research that delivers direct benefits to both communities and the environment.

JJ also outlined several concrete steps undertaken by Unhas to strengthen the marine and fisheries sector. One initiative includes the development of an ice production facility on Barrang Lompo Island to help preserve the quality of fishermen’s catches.

The initiative aims to produce fresher fish, increase market value, and improve the welfare of coastal communities through science- and technology-based interventions.

“This cooperation is not only oriented toward academic outputs, but also toward lessons learned in the integrated management of mangrove areas and aquaculture,” JJ said during a meeting with Kazuhiko Koike, Vice President for International Exchange and Japanese Language Education and Director of the Morito Institute of Global Higher Education at Hiroshima University, as quoted by Antara.

“The model produced from this pilot project is expected to be replicated in various coastal regions across Indonesia,” he added.

The Unhas rector also underscored the importance of developing double-degree programs as part of accelerating the university’s internationalization efforts.

In the context of collaboration with Hiroshima University, he noted that Unhas is exploring opportunities to utilize funding support from Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) to expand student access to globally standardized education.

At the same meeting, Kazuhiko Koike affirmed Hiroshima University’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable marine and fisheries science, reinforcing the shared goal of building long-term, research-driven solutions for coastal resilience. ***