SustainaBlue Project Manager, Aunurohim SSi DEA, when explaining the work packages (WP) in training with SustainaBlue partners at the launch event at the ITS Biology Department

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is determined to create sustainable change in the maritime sector through the launch of the SustainaBlue program by the ITS Biology Department on Monday (10/6). This program, which aims to build and manage a blue sustainability center in Southeast Asia, collaborates with various parties and other stakeholders.

SustainaBlue is supported by four universities in Indonesia and Malaysia, namely ITS, the University of Indonesia (UI), the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), and the University Science Malaysia (USM). The program has received funding from Erasmus Plus, a funding program from the European Union for educational activities.

Aunurohim SSi DEA, Project Manager for SustainaBlue, said that apart from the four universities, there were also other partners who were involved in making this excellent program a success, including those from Greece and Cyprus. Apart from that, in operating the blue economy center, the ITS Biology Department will also collaborate with the maritime industry, local government, and other stakeholders.

SustainaBlue’s main focus is on developing blue sustainability and the blue economy in Southeast Asia through the four universities in Indonesia and Malaysia. Meanwhile, European Union universities will be supportive partners. The support provided covers various things, such as themes and other aspects related to a sustainable maritime environment, which they have successfully implemented in Europe.

(from left) Farid Kamal Muzaki SSi MSi, Aunurohim SSi DEA, and Dr. Dra Dian Saptarini MSc during a discussion with SustainaBlue partners

Sustainable Blue, or in this program, SustainaBlue, is a context that is currently being widely discussed regarding how to utilize marine resources, both from a biological and non-biological perspective, for the benefit of the wider community. This activity is carried out without damaging or reducing the quality of the marine ecosystem.

In launching the goal of a sustainable blue-to-blue economy, according to Aunurohim, there are five policies that will be implemented in the SustainaBlue program. These include managing and coordinating maritime resources, establishing and operating a blue economy center, and developing and operating a blue and green acceleration platform. “There will be many aspects that can be explored to implement this concept,” explained the ITS Biology Department lecturer.

This ambitious program is funded by Erasmus Plus to a nominal value of EUR 797,838. These funds will later be divided among the four universities, and ITS will receive funds amounting to EUR 92,150. Later, ITS will use these funds to advance maritime sustainability for the next 36 months. This sustainability program starts from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2026. This program will have an impact on providing great benefits to society and the marine ecosystem.

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Data Analytics (FSAD) when giving a speech at the launch procession of the SustainaBlue program at the ITS Biology Department

By implementing these sustainability measures, maritime prosperity in Southeast Asia can be achieved through the proper participation of these four universities in the SustainaBlue program. Future generations will be able to use the natural resources that we currently enjoy. So that these resources can be enjoyed in the future.

This noble goal will be achieved through the SustainaBlue program with the help of various existing human resources and the ecosystem. “SustainaBlue will later prepare an ecosystem and resources that will ultimately create a good, sustainable blue,” said Aunurohim optimistically. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Muhammad Rizky Putra Wahyuana