Teluk Jekung and Maringkik Island, East Lombok – On February 25, 2025, the University of Mataram, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia, conducted an international community service program titled “Sustainable Tourism in Teluk Jekung and Maringkik Island: Community-University Engagement.” This initiative marked a tangible form of collaboration between academia and coastal communities in supporting sustainable tourism development in remote areas.

The one-day program focused on two strategic locations: Teluk Jekung and Maringkik Island, both known for their natural beauty but not yet fully optimized as sustainable tourism destinations. The service team carried out several key activities, including:

• Training and Education: Community members received training on the basic principles of sustainable tourism, waste management, and marine ecosystem conservation.

• Ecotourism Workshop: In collaboration with local tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), the team conducted a workshop on developing tourism packages based on local culture and nature conservation.

• Tourism Potential Mapping: Together with local residents, the team mapped out potential tourism attractions, including snorkeling sites, cultural tourism, and local culinary experiences.

• Environmental Awareness Campaign: Beach and ocean clean-up activities were carried out involving local youth and fishermen, emphasizing the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness as a tourism appeal.

The event was warmly welcomed by the local community and village authorities. The Head of Maringkik Village, Mr. H. Mulyadi, expressed his appreciation for the University of Mataram’s contribution to sustainable development in coastal areas. “We are proud and grateful for this initiative. We hope that such collaboration continues, so that Maringkik Island and Teluk Jekung can become widely recognized as sustainable tourism destinations,” he said.

Dr. L.M. Furkan, S.E., M.M., Ph.D., the coordinator of the community service team, stated that this activity reflects the university’s commitment to engaging with communities and addressing local development challenges through a participatory approach. Through the spirit of community-university engagement, this initiative is expected to be the beginning of a sustainable tourism development model that can boost the local economy without compromising environmental and cultural preservation.

In addition, Prof. Mohd Anuar bin Arshad, the collaborative faculty partner from USM, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating his hope that similar programs can be carried out not only in Maringkik Island – Lombok, but also in other regions.