KENDARINEWS.COM—Universitas Halu Oleo (UHO) has established a significant partnership with renowned Dutch universities to conduct vital research focusing on the coastal villages and small islands of Southeast Sulawesi. This collaboration, which includes Breda University, the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, addresses critical themes such as energy sustainability, health, agriculture, water management, law, and cultural heritage.
This partnership was initiated during the Week of Indonesia-Netherlands Education and Research (WINNER) Conference, where UHO’s Amar Maruf presented his groundbreaking research on the impact of climate change on the Sama-Bajau fishermen community. His work underscored the difficulties faced by this marginalized group in adapting to climate risks and highlighted the importance of building resilience through social capital. The Dutch universities expressed great interest in further exploring these issues, solidifying the foundation for future collaborative research.
Amar Maruf commented, “This collaboration is a pivotal step towards addressing the pressing climate resilience challenges faced by the Sama-Bajau fishermen. It not only advances academic knowledge but also directly benefits the coastal and island communities of Southeast Sulawesi.”
Moving forward, a comprehensive research proposal will be developed, co-authored by a team from Universitas Halu Oleo and the Dutch institutions. Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, appointed by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), will oversee the guidance for UHO and other universities in Eastern Indonesia throughout the process. The successful signing of a formal cooperation agreement between UHO’s Rector and their Dutch counterparts will be essential in advancing this initiative.
Funding for the project will be provided by the Indonesian government through LPDP, with additional support from European sources. The research is expected to make significant contributions to sustainable development and climate adaptation for Southeast Sulawesi’s coastal communities.(agr)
