Makassar, 23 April 2026 – SEAMEO BIOTROP conducted a visit to Hasanuddin University as part of its efforts to strengthen research collaboration and capacity development in tropical biology. The SEAMEO BIOTROP delegation—comprising the Director, Deputy Director for Program, BIOTROPIA Editor-in-Chief, and Knowledge Management Manager—met with university leadership and key stakeholders to explore strategic partnerships and future collaborative initiatives.

The visit began with an audience session with the Rector, Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Jompa, and the Head of LPPM UNHAS. The discussion focused on strengthening strategic cooperation through a planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both parties emphasized the importance of research collaboration in the Wallacea region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, including the integration of terrestrial and marine research.

The SEAMEO BIOTROP delegation, led by its Director Edi Santosa, further explored strategic cooperation opportunities covering joint research, academic exchange, and human resource capacity building. This meeting also marked an initial step toward drafting a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) as a foundation for sustainable collaboration.

The BIOTROP delegation then visited the Faculty of Forestry at Hasanuddin University, where the Dean, Prof. A. Mujetahid M, emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in advancing research and community service. He noted that strengthened synergy with regional institutions such as SEAMEO BIOTROP would enhance contributions to scientific development and sustainable environmental management.

During the discussion, both parties highlighted priority areas of cooperation in line with the agreement, including joint research, training, student involvement, and scientific publication. The integration of multidisciplinary approaches was identified as essential to addressing challenges in sustainable natural resource management and advancing tropical biology research.

At the end of the first day, the BIOTROP delegation visited the Karst Microbe Research Collaboration Center (PKR) and held discussions with its Head, Prof. Dr. Siti Halimah Larekeng, along with partners from BRIN and other institutions. The discussion explored opportunities for collaborative research in karst ecosystems, including joint proposal development, student involvement, and innovations such as mycorrhiza patent development.

Through this initiative, the collaboration between SEAMEO BIOTROP and Hasanuddin University is expected to be implemented in concrete programs, including joint research, capacity-building training, and dissemination of research outputs involving lecturers, students, and relevant partners.

(ms,hcn)