Hani Nusantari of JARI Foundation emphasizes the importance of marine education for local children in coastal areas.
Hani Nusantari, co-founder of the JARI Foundation, a marine conservation organization based in Lombok, Indonesia, advocates for educating local children about the marine ecosystems that surround them. At 52, Nusantari has dedicated her career to improving marine conservation and empowering coastal communities through education. Her efforts earned JARI the International SeaKeepers Society’s Asia Achievement Award in 2024.
A passionate diver since the age of 13, Hani’s journey into marine conservation began in East Kalimantan and led her to establish JARI Foundation with her husband. The organization works to preserve Indonesia’s marine ecosystems through research, education, eco-tourism, and community involvement. One of her key initiatives, the Laut Sahabat Kita (The Sea Is Our Best Friend) program, has been integrated into Lombok’s primary school curriculum. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on exploration of marine life, helping children in coastal areas better understand the creatures living in their waters.
Hani’s dedication stems from her belief that children living near the coast should have a deep connection to the sea, much like she did growing up. She noted that while her own children were able to identify marine creatures, local kids often lacked similar knowledge. “They only know ‘fish.’ I felt that it was not fair… the coast is their home. They have to know what is in the sea they live next to,” she said.
Indonesia, which boasts rich marine biodiversity, is home to 18% of the world’s coral reefs and 23% of its mangroves. However, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and deforestation have endangered much of the country’s marine life. Nusantari emphasizes the need for future generations, particularly in coastal areas, to become advocates for the environment and play an active role in its preservation.
