Srikandi of the Sea: When IPB University Female Students Become the Frontline of Marine Conservation

A group of female students from IPB University who are members of the Nature Lovers Student Association (Lawalata) conducted an expedition titled Srikandi of the Sea in the Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park (TWP), West Nusa Tenggara.

Team leader Riri Indriani explained that Srikandi of the Sea is the first expedition for women initiated by Lawalata IPB University. Held from August 5-20, 2025, the expedition highlights the important role of coastal women in preserving the sea and identifying various socio-ecological issues in the marine tourism area.

“We want to show that preserving the marine ecosystem is not only the responsibility of men. Women have an equally important role in maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs and the sea,” said Riri, the expedition team leader, during an interview (10/8).

From their field observations, the expedition team found that the coral reefs in the Gili Matra area were severely damaged. Along the coastline, there were many dead corals, especially in areas with high tourist activity.

“Most of the corals in the area have been damaged. The causes include suboptimal waste management, tourists stepping on the corals, and ship anchoring activities that damage the seabed,” explained Riri.

In addition to social factors and tourist behavior, the team also found indications of marine pollution caused by industrial activities. According to local residents, there is a water distillation company that is suspected of still operating and dumping waste into the sea, even though its business license expired in 2022.

“The waste deposits are believed to accelerate the destruction of the coral ecosystem around the conservation area,” he said.

The Role of Srikandi in Conservation

One of the important findings of this expedition was the existence of a community of local coastal women who are actively protecting the sea. This group is known as Srikandi, which focuses on coral reef restoration, tourist education, and beach clean-up activities.

“They are a real example that women can contribute directly to marine conservation. The Srikandi community regularly plants corals and involves young people in beach clean-up activities,” said Riri.

In addition, the Coral Catch community in Gili Air also runs an annual coral planting program and privately funded conservation scholarships, demonstrating how women’s empowerment plays a real role in ecosystem sustainability.

The team’s social analysis shows that women’s participation in marine conservation in Gili Matra still faces a number of structural and cultural challenges. Access to information, training opportunities, and gender-responsive policy support are still limited.

Furthermore, gender role stereotypes in coastal communities also limit women’s formal involvement in conservation area management.

“Women have an emotional and social closeness to their environment. When they are involved, conservation becomes a collective movement, not just a temporary project,” Riri emphasized.

Policy Recommendations

In carrying out this expedition, Lawalata IPB University collaborated with the Kupang National Marine Conservation Area Agency (BKKPN), the institution authorized to manage the Gili Matra conservation area. 

Based on field findings, the expedition team also compiled research-based social recommendations for BKKPN Kupang and other stakeholders. These recommendations are expected to strengthen more inclusive and gender-sensitive marine conservation programs.

Through Srikandi of the Sea, Lawalata IPB University emphasizes that women’s empowerment is key to the success of sustainable marine conservation.

“Women’s involvement not only strengthens the social dimension of coastal communities, but also serves as an effective strategy to protect marine ecosystems from the threat of destruction,” she concluded. (IAAS/FMT)