KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Airlangga University, continues to expand its global engagement through a staff outbound program to the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysia. Held on Monday (15/6/2026), the visit formed part of the World Ocean Day 2026 celebration, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable marine and coastal ecosystem management. The initiative reflects FPK Airlangga University’s commitment to fostering academic partnerships, strengthening research networks, and contributing to global efforts in ocean conservation.
Representing FPK Airlangga University, Dr. Eng. Sapto Andriyono and Muhammad Hanif Ashar, Ph.D., actively participated in the Maritime Dialogue organized by BMRI. The scientific forum served as a platform for researchers, academics, and marine stakeholders from both institutions to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss strategic approaches to addressing pressing marine challenges. Through constructive discussions and networking opportunities, the dialogue reinforced the long-standing academic relationship between Airlangga University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah while opening avenues for future collaborative initiatives in education, research, and community engagement.
The Maritime Dialogue focused on a range of critical issues related to sustainable marine resource management in Southeast Asia. Key topics included marine biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable utilization of coastal resources, and capacity building in marine science and technology. Participants explored opportunities to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and develop science-based solutions capable of addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by coastal communities across the region. The discussion emphasized that sustainable ocean governance requires collective action, innovative research, and strong institutional partnerships that transcend national boundaries.
The participation of FPK Airlangga University in the international forum underscored the institution’s dedication to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water. By engaging in knowledge exchange and collaborative dialogue, the faculty seeks to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and innovative strategies for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management. The event also provided valuable opportunities for strengthening academic diplomacy and promoting the international visibility of Airlangga University within the global marine science community.
As part of the World Ocean Day 2026 commemoration, the program continued with a hands-on environmental conservation activity involving the planting of mangroves and seagrass in coastal areas surrounding the BMRI campus. The activity brought together academic communities from both institutions as a symbol of their shared commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability. Beyond serving as a ceremonial event, the conservation initiative demonstrated how academic institutions can contribute directly to ecosystem restoration and climate resilience through community-oriented environmental actions.
Mangroves and seagrass play crucial roles in maintaining the health and productivity of coastal ecosystems. Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, provide habitats for diverse marine species, and serve as highly effective carbon sinks. Meanwhile, seagrass meadows function as essential nursery grounds for fish and marine organisms while improving water quality and storing significant amounts of blue carbon. The restoration and conservation of these ecosystems are increasingly recognized as important strategies for mitigating climate change and safeguarding marine biodiversity, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions throughout Southeast Asia.
Dr. Eng. Sapto Andriyono emphasized that international collaborations such as this represent a strategic step toward strengthening synergies in marine science and technology development with tangible benefits for society. He noted that contemporary marine resource management challenges require multidisciplinary approaches and sustained cooperation among countries. “The ocean is a source of life that connects many nations; therefore, efforts to ensure its sustainability cannot be carried out independently. Collaboration between Airlangga University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah is expected to generate innovations and science-based solutions that benefit coastal communities and the environment,” he stated.
Echoing this perspective, Muhammad Hanif Ashar, Ph.D., highlighted that the program served not only as a World Ocean Day celebration but also as an important opportunity to further strengthen institutional relations between the two universities. According to him, sustained engagement through academic exchanges, collaborative research, and environmental initiatives will enhance the capacity of both institutions to address emerging marine and coastal challenges. Such partnerships are increasingly vital in developing comprehensive solutions that integrate scientific research, education, and community participation.
Through this staff outbound program, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Airlangga University, and the Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in academic activities, research, and community service. The partnership is expected to generate innovative programs that support sustainable marine development while reinforcing the role of higher education institutions as drivers of solutions to global environmental challenges. By combining expertise, resources, and shared aspirations, both institutions aim to contribute meaningfully to regional and international marine sustainability efforts.
The active participation of both institutions in World Ocean Day 2026 further demonstrates that international collaboration in marine science is a valuable investment for the future. Guided by the spirit of “One Ocean, Shared Future,” Airlangga University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah continue to work together toward building healthier, more productive, and more sustainable oceans for future generations. Their joint efforts highlight the transformative potential of cross-border partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development in the marine sector.
