Langkawi, Malaysia — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), highlighted the growing threat of microplastic pollution to coastal ecosystems and human health through a collaborative community service program with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The activity, held in Langkawi on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), was part of the World Class University (WCU) Community Development Program Community Development skema World Class University (WCU) under the theme Enhancing Coastal Resilience and the Blue Economy.
During the scientific session, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Mufti Petala Patria, M.Sc., a researcher from the CEEB Research Group at the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, presented findings from his research on the abundance of microplastics in coastal and marine ecosystems. According to him, plastic waste exposed to sunlight gradually degrades into microplastic particles, which have now become widespread across nearly all marine ecosystems.
He explained that research conducted in Jakarta Bay found that microplastic concentrations in the waters of Marunda reached 90.7 particles per liter. Meanwhile, the green mussel (Perna viridis) collected from Muara Kamal were found to contain up to 469 microplastic particles per individual. Microplastics were also detected in commercially important fish species, including groupers and red snappers, with thousands of particles found in their digestive tracts and gills.
According to Prof. Mufti, microplastics pose a threat not only to the sustainability of marine ecosystems but also to human health, as they can act as vectors for persistent organic contaminants.
“Microplastics are no longer a problem we may face in the future—they have already become a real threat to marine ecosystems and human health. Therefore, reducing the use of single-use plastics and improving waste management must become a shared responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of our coastal environments,” he said.
The activity was part of a collaborative initiative between Universitas Indonesia and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), funded through the Community Development skema World Class University. The program aims to strengthen coastal resilience and promote the blue economy by fostering knowledge exchange among academics, students, and local communities.
Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si., Head of the Community Service Program, stated that international collaboration provides a platform for bringing together science, culture, and community engagement.
“Through this program, FMIPA UI aims to bring together scientific knowledge and local wisdom to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities. We hope this collaboration will mark the beginning of a sustainable partnership between Universitas Indonesia and Universiti Sains Malaysia,” she said.
In addition to discussing the issue of microplastic pollution, the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, introduced Universitas Indonesia as well as Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage through a presentation delivered by Rakha Nabillutra Falah, a Biology student at FMIPA UI.
Rakha explained that Indonesia is one of the world’s megabiodiverse countries, comprising more than 17,380 islands, home to approximately 37% of the world’s marine species and 18% of the world’s coral reefs, which are found at Coral Triangle. He also highlighted the rich biodiversity of Raja Ampat and Labuan Bajo while introducing Indonesia’s cultural diversity, which encompasses more than 600 ethnic groups and over 700 local languages.
According to Rakha, Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural heritage provides a strong foundation for advancing a sustainable blue economy.
“Indonesia is not only rich in biodiversity but also possesses a wealth of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage that can complement modern science. Together, these strengths provide a solid foundation for building a sustainable blue economy and empowering coastal communities,” he said.
The presentations concluded by linking these topics to the blue economy concept through the integration of scientific knowledge, environmentally friendly technologies, local knowledge, and digital literacy. This integrated approach aims to strengthen the capacity of coastal communities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.
The program also featured an introduction to the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where they were introduced to a range of marine research initiatives, including mangrove management and oyster farming in Kubang Badak, Langkawi. As part of the cultural exchange, participants also enjoyed traditional Indonesian cuisine and performances of regional Indonesian songs.
Harshan, a master’s student in marine science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said he was particularly interested in the presentation on microplastics. According to him, the research findings presented could serve as a valuable reference for addressing similar environmental challenges in Langkawi.
“We learned that extensive research has been actively conducted on microplastics, particularly in Indonesia’s marine environment. The knowledge generated from these studies can be applied to help address similar challenges in Langkawi, as this is an issue we are facing today—not one that lies in the future,” he said.
Harshan also emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s Tridharma of Higher Education, noting that research outcomes should not remain confined to laboratories but should deliver tangible benefits to society. He added that universities also play a vital role in helping communities protect their traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and intellectual property by raising awareness of copyright and patent protection.
Through this program Cultural & Knowledge Exchange , FMIPA UI and Universiti Sains Malaysia strengthened their international collaboration, extending beyond academic exchange to foster the integration of scientific knowledge, cultural exchange, and community engagement in support of coastal resilience and sustainable development.
