Mataram, University if Mataram – On 19 February 2026, University of Mataram (Unram) officially welcomed a delegation from the Tara Ocean Foundation accompanied by representatives of the French Embassy for Indonesia. The meeting, held at the Rectorate Meeting Room, marked a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration in marine research, particularly in coral reef studies through the scientific expedition Tara Coral. The visit highlighted opportunities for joint research focusing on coral reef resilience within the Coral Triangle, a region recognized for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Discussions centered on advancing scientific cooperation to better understand why certain coral reef ecosystems remain relatively resilient amid global reef degradation.
Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems, Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for the visit of Ms. Aliénor Bourdais, Operations Manager of Tara Ocean Foundation, and Ms. Yasmeen Dridi from the French Embassy for Indonesia.
“It is an honor for University of Mataram to welcome Ms. Aliénor Bourdais and Ms. Yasmeen Dridi. We are very enthusiastic about today’s discussion on this ambitious scientific mission focusing on coral reef resilience in the Coral Triangle. At a time when coral reef ecosystems worldwide are in decline, research that explores why certain reefs remain stable is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies,” said Prof. Akmaluddin.
During the meeting, Ms. Aliénor Bourdais explained that the research schooner Tara has launched a new scientific expedition, Tara Coral. The mission is designed to investigate the underlying factors contributing to coral reef resilience in the Coral Triangle and surrounding regions.
“While coral reefs in many parts of the world are deteriorating, reefs in the Coral Triangle appear relatively stable and resilient. This expedition, co-designed with local scientific institutions, aims to generate new insights for conservation strategies while raising global awareness of the unique resilience potential of these coral ecosystems,” she explained.
The Tara Coral expedition brings together approximately 40 laboratories from 18 countries, supported by local partners such as University of Papua, Sea Chance, and Blue Alliance. On this occasion, Tara Ocean Foundation expressed its strong interest in welcoming University of Mataram as a partner within this international scientific consortium.
Unram’s involvement is expected to further strengthen its academic capacity and reaffirm its long-standing commitment to marine research and coral reef conservation. As a coastal university located in a region rich in marine biodiversity, Unram has consistently prioritized research and community engagement in the marine sector. Participation in the Tara Coral expedition would represent a strategic step in expanding Unram’s global contribution while reinforcing Indonesia’s role in safeguarding marine ecosystem sustainability.
Within the framework of the Indonesia–France Maritime Dialogue, the Tara Coral expedition plans to conduct research activities in Raja Ampat, Banggai, and Lombok, presenting valuable opportunities for Universitas Mataram to actively contribute to marine research and coral reef conservation while further strengthening international collaboration.
The meeting is expected to serve as the foundation for a strong and sustainable partnership between University of Mataram, Tara Ocean Foundation, and the French Embassy for Indonesia. This collaboration is envisioned not only to advance marine science but also to enhance Unram’s role in supporting coral reef conservation and the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.
