The research team under the Sino-Indonesia Cooperation—comprising Universitas Hasanuddin, Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), and Guangdong Ocean University (GDOU)—conducted a site visit to the Sea Ranching Artificial Reef (AR) installation at Bonetambung Island, Makassar. The visit, held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, was hosted by the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Universitas Hasanuddin. This visit served as a follow-up by researchers from the three universities after the deployment of the Artificial Reef in November 2024.
The event was attended by the Rector of Universitas Hasanuddin, Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa (Prof. JJ), who is also a professor of coral reef ecological management; a member of the Board of Trustees (MWA) of Unhas, Prof. Andi Niartiningsih, a professor of marine ecosystem rehabilitation; and Dr. Syafyudin Yusuf, a coral reproduction expert at Unhas. The research team from SHOU included Prof. Liu Bilin as the project lead, Prof. Zou Leilei, and Prof. Zhang Shuo. The research team from GDOU consisted of Prof. Wang Xuefeng and Assoc. Prof. Cheng Ning. Media coverage was provided by the Identitas campus newspaper of Unhas and a Chinese television station.
The research team began their journey to the Artificial Reef site from Paotere Port, Makassar, using Universitas Hasanuddin’s research vessel (KR Unhas Explorer). During the trip to Bonetambung Island, Prof. JJ took the opportunity to engage in discussions with the research teams from SHOU and GDOU regarding the development of their ongoing collaboration. The discussions included potential advancements in student exchange programs, enhancement of English and Mandarin language skills, and scholarship opportunities for Unhas alumni who wish to pursue further studies in China. Double Degree The mechanism for a Double Degree program between Unhas and the two Chinese universities (SHOU & GDOU) was also a key part of the discussion.
Upon arrival at Bonetambung Island, the research team conducted a monitoring activity to assess the condition of the Sea Ranching Artificial Reef, which had been installed at a depth of 10–15 meters. The monitoring was led directly by Prof. JJ, who dived at the reef site himself. The results showed an improvement in ecological functions, with benthic organisms and fish beginning to appear and forage in the area. Coral juveniles from various species were also observed attaching themselves to the concrete structures used.
After completing the dive at the Artificial Reef site, Prof. JJ emphasized the global importance of coral reef ecosystems to marine life. This has become a major concern... concern from all marine experts because the ecological function of coral reefs as the main buffer in the food chain is degraded. He invited all parties from the government, universities, NGOs, and the general public to work together and collaborate to save coral reefs. The cooperation in question is no longer limited to cooperation between sectors in one country but global collaboration involving all countries that have marine waters. This is expected to maintain the sustainability of marine life for the next generation.
In addition to conducting Artificial Reef monitoring activities, the research team also conducted interviews with the community on Bonetambung Island. This was done to find out the responses and expectations of the local community towards the cooperation program being implemented. Dr. Syafyudin Yusuf was the lead in this interview activity. Representatives of the community expressed their gratitude to Hasanuddin University for choosing Bonetambung Island as the location for placing the Artificial Reef and hoped that the program could improve the ecological conditions in the waters of Bonetambung Island. According to them, good coral reef conditions can increase the number of fish and other marine biota so that it will have a positive economic impact. Active community involvement is also the key to success in ecosystem restoration activities, this was conveyed by Prof. Leilei (SHOU) as an expert in the field Marine Policy. The community must understand that the impact of the restoration carried out has a more direct impact on their lives, both ecologically and economically.
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