ULM – PT Freeport MoU: Encourage Mangrove Laboratory with the Principles of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership
Banjarmasin – Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) together with PT Freeport Indonesia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, February 28, 2025. This collaboration covers the fields of mangrove restoration, wetland management, and strengthening the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The memorandum of understanding aims to support the preservation of the mangrove ecosystem in South Kalimantan and strengthen ULM’s position as a leading wetland environmental research center in Indonesia.
ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, SE., M.Si stated that this collaboration is a strategic step in realizing ULM’s vision as a leading university in the field of wetland environment.
“ULM manages 611 hectares of mangrove land in Kotabaru Regency that requires rehabilitation. Multi-stakeholder support, including PT Freeport Indonesia, is vital for the development and preservation of this area,” he said.
He added that the mangrove area is expected to establish ULM as a global-scale tropical mangrove research center. In addition, this area will function as a natural laboratory to support multidisciplinary research and innovation.
Furthermore, the ULM Rector emphasized that this program will involve active participation of students in academic and practical activities.
“Students can be involved in the development of mangrove land as a research location, crab cultivation, to the development of ecosystem-based ecotourism,” explained Prof. Ahmad Alim Bachri.
Through this involvement, this project is expected to become a model of sustainable environmental management while opening up economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
This collaboration also received support from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Erik Teguh Primiantoro, Expert Staff of the Minister of KLHK for International Relations and Environmental Diplomacy, emphasized that wetland management must be scientifically based and not only philanthropic, but also as a long-term investment.
“This collaboration model must be viewed as an investment, not just a charity program. The ULM mangrove laboratory can be a showcase for the application of the principles of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership in one integrated ecosystem,” said Erik.
He also stated that the synergy between ULM and Freeport can be a reference for other institutions in managing wetlands sustainably through a multidisciplinary approach.
This collaboration is expected to not only improve the quality of research and education at ULM, but also contribute to the restoration of the mangrove ecosystem and improving the welfare of the community around the wetland area of South Kalimantan.
