PELAKITA.ID – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is gearing up to host an international initiative titled Weathering with You, set to take place at the Marine Station on Barrang Lompo Island on May 31, 2025.
This collaborative project is funded by the Asian Undergraduate Symposium 2024 Grant from NUS College and is coordinated by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The initiative brings together students and scholars from across Southeast Asia to engage in climate-related research and foster intercultural exchange.
In an official letter dated May 6, 2025, Associate Provost Daniel PS Goh of NUS College extended his appreciation to Unhas for its support and acknowledged the significant involvement of Unhas students in the program.
The letter was addressed to Unhas Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc.
The Weathering with You team consists of nine outstanding students representing five countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
From Unhas, Raudyah Faatiha Taruna has been appointed as the Project Leader, working alongside fellow Indonesian students from Universitas Indonesia, Muhammad Farhan Ilham Faris and Alya Maghfira.
The team also includes Nattakit Duangthong (Thailand), Paulyana Tong Battung and Charisse Maxine O. Parchamento (Philippines), John Denyl A. Torrijos (Philippines) and Jonathan Glenn Wong Jun Sheng (Malaysia)
Dr. Rijal Idrus, a lecturer in Marine Science at Unhas and one of the key facilitators, described the initiative as more than just a research opportunity.
“We are transforming the Marine Station on Barrang Lompo into a living classroom—one that combines scientific inquiry with international collaboration,” he said.
Scheduled to run from May to mid-June 2025, the project is expected to conclude on June 15, 2025.
The program not only aims to expand Unhas’ international partnerships in marine science and education but also contributes to broader efforts addressing climate change and promoting the sustainability of coastal ecosystems across Asia.
About Barrang Lompo Island
Barrang Lompo Island is one of the inhabited islands in the Spermonde Archipelago, located off the coast of Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Administratively, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Sangkarrang Islands District, which is part of Makassar City. Geographically, the island lies in the Makassar Strait, approximately 13 to 15 kilometers northwest of the Makassar mainland.
To reach Barrang Lompo from Makassar, visitors typically depart from Paotere Port, a traditional harbor situated in the northern part of the city.
Alternatively, some boats depart from Pelabuhan Kayu Bangkoa, near Losari Beach. The journey by traditional wooden boat (perahu kayu) takes about an hour and a half.
For those seeking a quicker option, speedboats are available and can complete the trip in just 30 to 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Transportation options include public boats that operate daily, usually in the morning, serving residents and visitors alike. Private boat charters are also available for more flexible schedules or faster travel, often used by researchers or tourists.
Barrang Lompo is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, featuring vibrant coral reefs and extensive seagrass beds. It is home to a marine research station operated by Hasanuddin University (Unhas), which plays a key role in marine science education and conservation efforts in the region.
The island’s economy is driven largely by traditional fishing and small-scale aquaculture, offering a glimpse into the daily life of coastal communities.
The island is also a growing destination for snorkeling, diving, and eco-tourism. With the upcoming collaborative project “Weathering with You” between Unhas and the National University of Singapore (NUS), Barrang Lompo is set to become a vibrant hub for international research and cultural exchange focused on climate change and coastal sustainability.
