MDPI Hosts ‘SELAT MUDA’ Training in Bali to Strengthen Youth Roles in Climate Change
- October 8, 2025
by Muhammad Alzaki Tristi
In Bali, the next generation of coastal youth is stepping up to protect Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. MDPI launched a training and technical workshop under its new project, SELAT MUDA, in Denpasar on September 25. The program provides practical training for young people and university students, aiming to strengthen the capacity of coastal communities in Bali and West Nusa Tenggara to tackle climate change and promote sustainable fisheries.
SELAT MUDA bridges academic knowledge with the real needs of coastal communities through applied training, field mentoring, and community-based collaborative projects. The program was first piloted in Maluku and North Maluku, where youth involvement proved capable of generating local initiatives, strengthening community leadership, and building networks across stakeholders. MDPI is now replicating the model in Bali and East Lombok to nurture young leaders who can drive innovation in resource management, enhance climate adaptation, and advance sustainable fisheries practices.
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“SELAT MUDA is a crucial moment to align our vision, strengthen technical capacity, and build networks between community grantees,” said Yasmine Simbolon, MDPI’s director, at the opening. “We hope the participants will not only implement their projects, but also become agents of change in addressing climate challenges.”
MDPI previously selected eight youth and student community proposals, funding the five best. The technical workshop focused on project management, financial accountability, community networking, and finalising grant agreements. Participants engaged in discussions, case studies, and peer learning to ensure their plans directly fit their local contexts.
The five selected groups are Ecoway Conservation, Generasi Peduli Sekitar (GEMPAR), and Yayasan Bendega Alam Lestari from Bali; Woman for Marine Conservation from Lombok; and H2OPE from Bali.
“Our project focuses on conservation, climate education, and community capacity building,” said Gusti Ayu from Yayasan Bendega Alam Lestari. “We plan to restore mangroves in southern Bali, educate elementary students, and strengthen youth organisations.”
From Lombok, Roaitun Nabiya of Woman for Marine Conservation added, “One of SELAT MUDA’s themes is women’s empowerment, which aligns with our mission to educate coastal women and children. We believe conservation starts at home.”
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Climate change has hit Indonesia’s fisheries hard, undermining productivity and food security in coastal areas. MDPI sees youth as key drivers of community-based solutions—if given space for meaningful participation.
Through programs like SELAT MUDA, the foundation hopes to foster a new model of local leadership that can sustain ecosystem management, strengthen community resilience, and ensure that Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries remain viable for generations to come.
