RRI.CO.ID, Kupang – Research on dugong (Dugong dugon) and seagrass conservation in Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has been officially strengthened through a collaboration between Nusa Cendana University (Undana) in Kupang and the Interim Regional Secretariat of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA).

This partnership aims to support the development of the blue economy while strengthening sustainable marine resource management in Indonesia, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara.

The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a memorandum of agreement (MoA) by Undana Rector Jefri S. Bale and the Interim Executive Director of the ATSEA Regional Secretariat, Handoko Adi Susanto.

The collaboration encompasses education, research, and community service, particularly in the marine and fisheries sectors.

“This collaboration is designed to facilitate student involvement in research while strengthening the scientific database that supports the sustainable management of marine resources,” Jefri said in a statement in Kupang on Friday, June 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Jefri said involvement of faculty members and students from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Marine Affairs, and Fisheries (FPKP) in joint research will enhance human resource capacity. The scientific data generated can also serve as a foundation for more effective coastal resource management.

Handoko Adi Susanto said Undana was chosen as a partner because of its proximity to the research area on Rote Island and its competent academic staff in maritime studies.

“This collaboration is designed to facilitate student involvement in comprehensive research. In the future, we also plan to organize an international symposium together with Undana’s FPKP in Kupang,” he said.

ATSEA is a cooperation forum involving Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, coordinated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Its programs focus on protecting marine ecosystems, controlling pollution, empowering small-scale fishermen, and conserving marine species.

This research will enable the team to study the dugong population and the health of seagrass beds in the coastal waters of Rote Ndao. Dean of Undana’s FPKP, Agnette Tjendanawangi, stated that the research findings are to serve as a scientific foundation for sustainable coastal zone management policies, while also strengthening the blue economy and improving the well-being of coastal communities. ***