Exploring Tropical Marine Ecosystems: IPB University Brings International Students to Study in Wakatobi
The Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University successfully brought together 35 students from various countries to explore the marine ecosystems in Wakatobi, South Sulawesi.
Through the 6th International Summer Course on Tropical Marine Ecology, IPB University brought together 24 international participants from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), New Zealand (15 students), China (5 students), and IPB University’s own international students (4 students). They joined 11 domestic students from IPB University in this collaborative program.
Program coordinator Dea Fauzia Lestari, SIK, MSi, explained that this program was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of tropical marine ecology and the connectivity between coastal ecosystems, ranging from mangroves and seagrass beds to coral reefs in the small island regions within the coral triangle.
“This program combines academic theory with hands-on field experience. Participants took part in underwater surveys, assessments of coastal ecosystem health, and interactions with the Bajau community in Sampela to understand marine governance and environmental sustainability,” said Dea.
During fieldwork on Hoga Island and the surrounding area, participants received guidance from international experts and practitioners, including Prof James Bell (VUW), Mo Johnson (Operation Wallacea), and IPB University lecturers Dr Beginer Subhan and Dr Dondy Arafat.
In addition to strengthening scientific knowledge and underwater survey techniques (snorkeling and rapid biodiversity assessments), the program provided hands on experience with adaptation strategies in island regions. Amid limited electricity supply, participants practiced freshwater conservation, a characteristic of small, remote islands.
The program resulted in a number of strategic agreements between IPB University and VUW. The summer course will be held regularly every two years in Wakatobi. Participants who complete the entire curriculum are eligible to receive 4 SKS (140 hours of instruction).
The Chair of the Department of ITK at IPB University, Dr Syamsul Bahri Agus, commended the program’s success and emphasized its role in strengthening IPB University’s position within the global marine research and education network. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HRD)
