FIKP Unhas Students Participate in Summer Course on Coral Reef Ecology at Hoga Island
Four undergraduate students from the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries (FIKP) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) took part in the Summer Course Hoga 2025, an intensive two-week international program focusing on coral reef ecology and reef survey techniques. The program, held on Hoga Island, Wakatobi from 19 July 2 August 2025, brought together students from UNHAS and over 20 international participants representing various universities worldwide.
The UNHAS participants: Gracella (Aquatic Resources Management Study Program), James Nicholas Pratama Afandy Palebangan, Kristopel Hutasoit, and Nur Ikhlasul Amal (Marine Science Study Program), began their journey on 19 July 2025, flying from Makassar to Baubau before continuing by land and ferry to Hoga Island. Upon arrival, they joined international students and Operation Wallacea staff for site orientation and health & safety briefings to prepare for the field activities ahead.
From 21 to 25 July, participants engaged in the Coral Reef Ecology & Reef Survey Techniques Course, which combined two dives per day with three lectures or land-based workshops covering reef biodiversity, marine conservation, and underwater survey methods. Topics included coral identification, fish taxonomy, reef health assessment techniques, and data recording protocols. The program’s daily schedule balanced practical training and theoretical learning, with morning dives, mid-morning lectures, afternoon dives, and evening sessions.
Saturday, 26 July, was designated as a rest day, giving participants the opportunity to recover before completing the final day of the course on Sunday, 27 July. From 28 July to 1 August, the program shifted focus to a reef monitoring project. Students conducted two survey dives daily to collect data on reef structure, benthic composition, and fish populations, followed by data processing and analysis in the afternoons. These sessions strengthened technical skills and deepened understanding of reef ecosystem dynamics.
The training and fieldwork were guided by an Operation Wallacea (Opwall) team, including Mrs. Mo (Hoga Site Manager), Mr. Imin (Dive Operation Manager), Dr. Jon Chamberlain (Science Lead), Dr. Danny and Dr. Kam (Medics), Prof. James Bell (Supervisor), Holly and Molly (Reef Ecology and Reef Survey Techniques Coordinators), Cath and Chiara (Reef Monitoring Project Coordinators), and Pak Jufri (Hoga Logistics).
On 2 August 2025, participants returned from Hoga Island to Makassar, marking the completion of an intensive and transformative learning experience. In addition to technical competencies, the program offered valuable cross-cultural exposure through daily collaboration with international peers and scientists.
The Summer Course Hoga 2025 underscores FIKP UNHAS’s dedication to providing immersive, field-based learning opportunities that connect academic knowledge with real-world environmental challenges. By working alongside international participants and expert trainers, UNHAS students enhanced their scientific expertise, cultural understanding, and professional networks in the field of marine science.