IPB University Receives Visit from FLBA Timor Leste Delegation: Strengthening Regional Synergy in Marine Research and Blue Economy

Bogor, July 1, 2025 – IPB University received a visit from the delegation of Futuru Lider Ba ASEAN (FLBA) Timor Leste. FLBA is a leadership and capacity development program that aims to prepare the young generation of Timor Leste to face regional integration through membership in ASEAN. This visit aims to strengthen relations between IPB and Timor Leste, especially in the field of marine resource research and development as well as international education cooperation.

The FLBA delegation consisted of 12 young professionals and Timor Leste government officials, including Nelson Maia Siqueira Amaral (Programme Manager), Julia da Costa Duarte de Araujo (ASEAN Liaison Officer, Ministry of Trade and Industry), and José António Aniceto Nunes (Protocol Officer, Ministry of Transport and Communications). Leaders and academics of IPB University were present, including Prof. Dr. Mala Nurilmala as the Vice Dean for Resources, Cooperation and Development, of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Dr. Eva Anggraini as the Director of Global Connectivity, and several lecturers from various departments within FPIK. The delegation expressed their interest in IPB’s experience in supporting the development of marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal community involvement strategies, and multi-party collaboration practices in marine resource management.

Delegations IPB University delegations presented the profile, study programs, and research focus of each department at FPIK. In addition, leading research institutions at IPB such as the International Research Institute for Maritime, Ocean and Fisheries, Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL), and the Tropical Marine Economics Study Program (PS EKT) also presented their contributions to marine research and the development of the blue economy in Indonesia.

In the discussion session, Dr. Kustiariyah highlighted the importance of strengthening research in the fields of blue carbon sciences, studies of archipelagic and maritime areas, and inland and freshwater. Fery Kurniawan from PKSPL added that his institution already has three active divisions, a research excellence center, and regular training programs. He also mentioned the existence of Timor Leste students who are studying at FPIK IPB as a result of the partnership that has been built previously. IPB University and FLBA agreed to continue exploring various forms of cooperation in the fields of research, education, and capacity building, especially in the marine sector.