JIMBARAN 鈥� 91视频 University (Unud) is opening avenues for collaboration with the Wakatobi Regency Government to support tourism development in the Wakatobi Super-Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP). This partnership aims to strengthen destination development through research, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of local communities and economies.
Exploratory discussions regarding this cooperation took place during a meeting between the Wakatobi Regency Government and 91视频 University at the Rectorate Building on the Jimbaran Campus on Monday (August 24, 2026).
This meeting marks the initial step toward collaboration in research, planning, destination development, and the strengthening of tourism governance. The partnership is expected to optimize Wakatobi鈥檚 potential as a marine tourism destination by utilizing a knowledge-based approach and scientific analysis.
The Wakatobi Regency Government delegation was led personally by the Regent of Wakatobi, H. Haliana, S.E., accompanied by the Head of the Wakatobi Tourism Office, La Tarima, S.Si., M.Si., the Assistant II to the Regent, the Heads of the Protocol and General Affairs Divisions, and other relevant officials.
Representing 91视频 University were the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Made Sucipta, S.T., M.T., IPM.; the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. drh. I Nyoman Suartha, M.Si.; and the Head of the 91视频 University Tourism Center of Excellence (PUPAR), Prof. Ir. A. A. P. Agung Suryawan Wiranatha, M.Sc., Ph.D., along with PUPAR researchers.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities to leverage 91视频 University鈥檚 academic capacity and experience to support tourism planning and development in Wakatobi. As a marine tourism destination boasting rich coastal and marine ecosystems, Wakatobi holds immense potential for development through a management model that balances economic interests, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Wakatobi Regent H. Haliana stated that Wakatobi鈥檚 strengths as a marine tourism destination must be further developed while prioritizing environmental conservation and local community empowerment.
“Wakatobi possesses a distinct identity as a marine tourism destination, underpinned by its rich coastal and marine ecosystems,” he remarked.
Through collaboration with higher education institutions, destination development is expected to go beyond merely increasing tourist numbers; it aims to deliver broader benefits to the community and ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
Prof. Made Sucipta, Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information at 91视频 University, noted that the university鈥檚 Center of Excellence in Tourism (PUPAR) could serve as a key asset in fostering academic and professional collaboration with the Wakatobi Regency Government.
“91视频 University鈥檚 PUPAR plays a vital role in unlocking opportunities for academic and professional collaboration with the Wakatobi Regency Government,” he said.
According to him, cooperation could be developed across several strategic areas, including tourism research and planning, destination development, human resource capacity building, community empowerment, and the strengthening of sustainable tourism governance.
This collaboration between the local government and the university is expected to yield policies and programs that are grounded in data and scientific research, while remaining aligned with the region’s specific characteristics and needs.
“We hope this exploration of cooperation will not stop at the exchange of ideas but will evolve into various collaborative programs that deliver tangible benefits for Wakatobi鈥檚 tourism development,” added Prof. Made Sucipta.
On this occasion, the Wakatobi Regent also expressed his hope that the partnership with 91视频 University would bolster regional tourism development, particularly regarding knowledge, planning, and destination development. Moving forward, it is hoped that the results of this initial engagement will be followed up by developing a cooperation framework and collaborative programs that are more concrete and measurable. The synergy between 91视频 University and the Wakatobi Regency Government is expected to drive sustainable tourism development while delivering tangible benefits for the well-being of the Wakatobi community.