As an archipelagic country, Indonesia has abundant marine wealth but also faces serious challenges in preserving its ecosystems. Early education efforts are considered a strategic step to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of marine environmental conservation.

In response to this need, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), through the Department of Biology in collaboration with SustainaBlue UI, held an environmental education program titled Roadshow Shell of Hope. The activities took place over two days, September 18–19, 2025, at SD Negeri 01 Pagi and SMP Negeri 260 Jakarta, both located on Pulau Harapan, Thousand Islands.

A total of 540 elementary and middle school students, along with 40 teachers, participated in this activity. In addition, the program involved local residents, volunteers, and community leaders. The initiative aims to introduce students to the importance of marine ecosystems through an approach that is both educational and enjoyable.

The roadshow employed interactive learning methods such as educational storytelling, role-playing games, and prize quizzes to introduce various components of the marine ecosystem, from coral reefs to often-overlooked micro marine life. This approach was designed to make environmental material easy to understand and engaging for children.

The event chair, Dr. Windri Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., emphasized the importance of marine education for young people living in coastal areas. “Many children here have been involved in fishing or marine tourism activities with their parents since they were little. This is a great potential, but it also needs to be balanced with an understanding of sustainability so that they not only utilize the ocean but also protect it,” she said.

Meanwhile, team member Dr. Ratna Yuniati, M.Si., conveyed that geographical proximity to the sea does not necessarily align with ecological understanding. “Children on the island may grow up close to the sea, but that doesn’t mean they understand the importance of preserving its ecosystems. Through this activity, we aim to broaden their perspective so that a sense of care for the ocean as part of their lives emerges,” she said.

The roadshow also involved several lecturers from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, including Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si., Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, S.Si., M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Mufti Petala Patria, M.Sc. Meanwhile, the student team consisted of Samuel Young Hadi, Shally Helena Hotmauli, Yolanda Rosida Butarbutar, Gracia Adelia Nababan, Najwa Cahya Meiliza, Jingga Malda Fitri, and Frisya Farellia.

They played an active role in preparing educational materials and assisting students throughout the activities. In addition, FMIPA UI alumni who are part of the SustainaBlue team, such as Achmad Eka Satria, Amelia Said, Siwi Dwi Hastuti, Ratu Nida Hamidah, and Hedza Fadli Robbina, also contributed by providing technical support and motivation.

The event was also enlivened by the presence of Abang None of the Thousand Islands, who attended to inspire and encourage students to be more mindful of their surrounding environment.

Salsya, a 6th-grade student at SD Negeri 01 Pagi, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the activity. “We learned a lot about the ocean while playing. It was fun and enjoyable,” she said.

Appreciation was also expressed by Umairoh, a teacher at SMP Negeri 260 Jakarta. She considered activities like this important for broadening students’ horizons. “We hope this program can continue and reach more schools in the Thousand Islands region,” she said.

The Shell of Hope roadshow received support from the Directorate of Community Engagement and Social Innovation (DPIS) UI and serves as an example of collaboration between higher education institutions and the community in promoting sustainable marine conservation efforts.