Effective dugong conservation starts with understanding their populations and the seagrass habitats they depend on. To support this, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) convened a meeting in Jakarta on 13 January 2026 to launch the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Initiative (DSCI) in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara. The meeting brought together representatives from the national research institutions, universities, and partners, including ATSEA Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS), to align on the initiative’s direction and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Opening the discussion, Sarmintohadi, Director of Species and Genetic Conservation at MMAF, noted that dugongs are protected under Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999 on the Conservation of Plant and Animal Species. However, continued awareness and conservation efforts remain necessary, as illegal hunting still occurs in some areas. He also highlighted that Indonesia is currently developing a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for dugong protection, with this initiative contributing to ongoing national efforts. In addition, he noted that the government is developing a legal framework for genetic resources, which aligns with the initiative’s work on genetic data collection, and emphasised the importance of ensuring conservation efforts consider the well-being of local communities.
The initiative focuses on strengthening knowledge of dugong populations and seagrass ecosystems in Rote Ndao through research and outreach. This includes field surveys, genetic assessments, and monitoring activities, alongside efforts to promote awareness and share scientific findings. It also aims to strengthen engagement with government stakeholders at both provincial and national levels, supporting more coordinated conservation efforts over time.
The discussion also pointed to several opportunities for collaboration. Representatives from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional/BRIN) highlighted the potential of genetic sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to improve understanding of dugong populations and seagrass ecosystems. This work can also contribute baseline data for seagrass habitats in Rote Ndao and support broader scientific discussions in Indonesia.
Participants further noted the importance of clear data-sharing procedures for stranded dugong samples, the integration of local cultural perspectives, and the use of technologies such as drones to support monitoring. Collaboration with local institutions was also emphasised, with representatives from Nusa Cendana University encouraging the involvement of students in research activities to support both scientific work and capacity development. The discussion also highlighted the importance of considering an exit strategy from the outset to ensure continuity of efforts beyond the initiative’s two year timeframe.
In addition, the initiative may contribute to updating national guidelines on dugong and seagrass surveys and support Indonesia’s developing fish genetic database system (SIGENI), helping to strengthen the overall knowledge base for marine conservation. The discussion also pointed to opportunities to align with broader marine spatial planning efforts, including ongoing seascape planning and the development of zoning plans in East Nusa Tenggara.
After the meeting, a cooperation agreement will be developed between the implementing partners (i.e., Balai Pengelolaan Kelautan Kupang, BRIN, Nusa Cendana University, and ATSEA IRS) as a basis for collaboration. In addition, ATSEA IRS will hire a Conservation Officer to coordinate and support DSCI implementation. Implementation will begin in the following quarter.
Dugongs rely heavily on seagrass ecosystems, which serve as their primary food source and support wider marine biodiversity. By bringing together research, policy, and collaboration, the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Initiative aims to strengthen the foundation for protecting dugongs and their habitats across the Arafura and Timor Seas.
By Yulia Dewi