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Mendukung Perempuan dalam Konservasi Laut: Perjalanan Hani Nusantari yang Berdampak Besar
Conservationist Hani Nusantari knows that women play a special role in protecting Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, and her work is giving them the skills and knowledge to get involved.
For more than three decades, the co-CEO and Program Manager at Yayasan Juang Laut Lestari (JARI Foundation) has been empowering coastal communities and supporting marine conservation in Eastern Indonesia.
JARI Foundation runs several projects, including a Sister School program that links schools in Australia and Lombok, and community development programs with fishing communities.
The foundation’s work has been boosted by connections with its Australian networks, and Hani’s recent participation in two Australia Awards Short Courses.
“I wanted to set an example for others—especially for my staff, family, and community—by showing that education is essential for growth and that learning has no age limit,” she said.
Innovating Education Across Borders
In 2021, Hani participated in the Australia Awards Short Course on Building Foundations to Equip Indonesians with 21st Century Skills hosted online by Flinders University. The course looked at the “four Cs” of skills—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
For her Award project, Hani, who holds a Masters of Environmental Education, developed methods to incorporate the arts into teaching. Using drawing, singing, and crafts helped simplify complex topics and improve students' critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
“In Indonesia, the curriculum already values these 21st century skills, but the practical application is often limited. My project aimed to simplify and make these concepts actionable for teachers,” she explained.
“Teachers aren’t just instructors, they’re mentors who foster communication and engagement.”
The approach shifted teachers' perspectives, encouraging them to act as collaborators. Hani built upon her experience during the Short Course, of interacting with professors and peers who fostered a sense of equality and mutual respect.
“Professors in Australia treat students as equals. It’s a collaborative environment where ideas flow freely,” she noted.
After the Short Course, Hani decided to continue the work by applying it to the JARI Foundation’s Sister School Program. This program pairs Sugian 3 Elementary School in East Lombok and St Joseph’s Primary School in Crib Point, Victoria, for cross-cultural exchange and environmental education.
Hani incorporated the same methods into the program, such as integrating arts into education and promoting critical thinking.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers were excited to see how simple artistic activities could make lessons more engaging and encourage students to think more creatively,” Hani shared.
This collaboration also led St Joseph’s Primary School to incorporate the JARI Foundation’s Laut Sahabat Kita (The Sea Is Our Best Friend) initiative into its curriculum. The program, which focuses on environmental education and fostering students’ connection to local marine ecosystems, was instrumental in helping the school win the prestigious Tidy Town Award in Victoria.
Creating Sustainable Camping Tourism
In 2023, Hani participated in a second Australia Awards Short Course in Sustainable Tourism Management held at Griffith University. This time, she focused on revitalising camping tourism in Indonesia.
Her project stemmed from a research finding that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Indonesians turned to outdoor activities, with camping gear becoming popular.
“Camping is a beloved activity in Indonesia, but we wanted to bring back its essence while adding value by involving local communities in the experience,” Hani explained.
The project trained local communities in managing camping tourism, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the industry while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The initiative also incorporated storytelling sessions led by the Bajo community, an indigenous group in Sumbawa, known for their rich maritime traditions. These sessions transformed typical camping trips into unique cultural experiences.
“It’s not just about camping, it’s about creating a connection between people and nature through stories and shared experiences,” Hani said.
“Observing how Australia respects and collaborates with Indigenous communities inspired me to strengthen similar practices in Indonesia.”
Encouraging Women’s Participation in Conservation
Hani’s work has benefited from a number of Australian collaborations. Since 2014, the JARI Foundation has hosted volunteers through the Australian Volunteers for International Development and the Australian Volunteer Program.
“We aim to provide meaningful roles for volunteers while building a self-sustaining program that fosters long-term collaboration,” Hani said.
Another initiative to come from the collaboration with Australian groups is Women for Marine Conservation. The program began in 2022 in Poto Tano, West Sumbawa, with support from the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund.
It focused on involving women in sustainable marine ecosystem management with the support of interns from the New Colombo Plan. It has since expanded to seven villages along the Alas Strait, fostering connections between communities in Lombok and Sumbawa.
“We wanted to bring women into the conversation about marine conservation, recognising their unique skills and perspectives,” Hani noted.
The initiative emphasises peer-to-peer learning, where women from Poto Tano, having undergone training, visit other villages to share their experiences and encourage participation in conservation activities.
It acknowledges that women’s voices influence environmental issues in the community, both within their workplaces and school communities and in conversations with their children.
The program has shifted from being grant-funded to self-sustaining, with support from local volunteers and interns.
“We didn’t want the project to end with the funding. We’ve worked to ensure its continuity, even with limited resources,” Hani said.
Working Holistically with the Bajo Community
In 2023, the JARI Foundation launched a program with the Bajo community of Poto Tano. While it focuses on sustainable fisheries, it also addresses broader community needs, including financial management and cultural preservation.
“Our approach involves the whole community. We teach fishermen and their families how to manage their incomes responsibly, so the benefits extend to everyone,” Hani explained.
Hani also identified untapped tourism potential within the Bajo community. By incorporating cultural activities into sustainable tourism initiatives, the project has provided additional income opportunities while preserving cultural heritage.
“The Bajo people’s traditional methods of octopus fishing and crafting bait are fascinating. For people from urban areas, this is something truly unique and worth experiencing,” she explained.
To address accommodation gaps, Hani introduced camping tourism on nearby islands.
“We wanted tourists to enjoy the natural beauty while contributing to the local economy and conservation,” she noted.
The project now benefits 150 fishermen and their families in Poto Tano, with ripple effects reaching nearby communities.
In October 2024, the JARI Foundation received the International SeaKeepers Society’s Asia Achievement Award for its contributions to marine conservation and community empowerment.
“This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and the communities we work with,” Hani said.
Looking ahead, Hani plans to expand her initiatives and strengthen collaborations.
“Education and collaboration are powerful tools for change,” she said. “My goal is to inspire others to take action and create sustainable solutions.
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