Embedded Files
International Training on Hands-on Experience in Coral Reef Restoration
🗓️ 16 September 2026 👤Korea-Indonesia MTCRCÂ
Group photo with all participants
Lombok, Indonesia  — September 16, 2026 — The Korea–Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), together with its partners, successfully organized the International Training on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development through Science, Policy, and International Collaboration to Enhance Blue Food Security in Lombok on September 15–16, 2026.
The two-day training brought together approximately 22 participants from institutions in Indonesia and overseas, including Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas Bengkulu, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, NUS College, and Cavite State University. The training was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in sustainable marine ecosystem management, with a particular focus on coral reef restoration.
The program combined classroom learning, interactive discussions, group-based activities, and hands-on field practice, allowing participants to gain an understanding of coral reef restoration concepts while applying them in a real-world setting.
Understanding Coral Reef Restoration
The training opened with remarks from Mr. Kim Namhoon, Director of MTCRC, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ivonne M. Radjawane, Ph.D., Indonesia Director of MTCRC, and a representative from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The sessions introduced participants to coral reef ecosystem productivity, restoration methods, and various coral reef rehabilitation initiatives.
Dr. Marieke Huhn from Luminocean delivered a session entitled “Coral Reef Restoration Through Sexual Reproduction Methodology.” The session introduced participants to the role of sexual reproduction in generating genetically diverse coral populations and supporting coral reef restoration efforts.
The session was followed by Disa and Gilang from Indonesia Biru Foundation (IBF), who presented “Coral Reef Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Restoration Initiatives.” Participants were introduced to various approaches and key considerations in implementing coral reef ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration projects.
The learning sessions were highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and raising questions with the speakers. Among those who participated in the discussion were Fikri from Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa and Angel from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP).
Planning the Future of Coral Reef Restoration in ASEAN
In the afternoon, the training shifted from classroom-based learning to collaborative project-based activities. Participants were divided into four groups and asked to develop a three-year plan for coral reef restoration in the ASEAN region.
The group activity encouraged participants to consider restoration strategies, regional cooperation, and long-term approaches to strengthening coral reef resilience. Each group presented its proposed plan, followed by discussions and feedback.
Based on the overall quality of the discussions and proposed plans, Group D was selected as the group with the best overall result.
The activity highlighted the importance of collaborative planning and knowledge exchange in developing coral reef restoration approaches that extend beyond individual projects and contribute to broader regional cooperation.
Bringing Knowledge into the Field
On the second day, participants traveled to Kecinan Beach to take part in hands-on coral reef restoration activities with IBF. The field session began with the preparation of coral reef restoration frames, followed by snorkeling and coral planting activities.
With guidance from the IBF team, participants practiced handling and placing corals onto restoration structures while gaining direct experience of the technical considerations involved in coral reef restoration.
During the activity, six spider-web-shaped restoration frames were prepared and deployed at the restoration site at Kecinan Beach. IBF will monitor the restoration site for the next 12 months to observe the development and condition of the restored corals.
The field activities were followed by a visit to IBF’s coral laboratory, where participants were introduced to the facilities and processes supporting coral reef restoration efforts.
The two-day training concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Yanti Permatasari of the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, marking the completion of the training program.
Strengthening Capacity Through Learning and Practice
By combining scientific presentations, collaborative planning, and hands-on field practice, the training provided participants with a learning experience that connected knowledge of coral reef ecosystems with practical restoration efforts.
The program highlighted that effective ecosystem restoration requires not only scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also collaboration, long-term monitoring, and continuous capacity building.
The two-day training was part of the International Training and Seminar organized by MTCRC and its partners from September 15–17, 2026, followed by the International Seminar on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development through Science, Policy, and International Collaboration to Enhance Blue Food Security on September 17.
Through the program, MTCRC and its partners contributed to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration to support sustainable marine ecosystem development in Indonesia and across the ASEAN region.
Report abuse