Mataram Explores Collaboration with US University to Address Flooding and Coastal Issues
The Mataram City Government is eyeing a strategic partnership potential with the University of New Orleans, United States (US). Flood management and coastal issues are among the main focuses of this collaboration.
Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida) of Mataram, I Nyoman Suwandiasa, revealed that this partnership exploration is an effort to strengthen the position of the provincial capital to be competitive and become ‘Global Mataram’.
“(The collaboration opportunity with them) is very significant. They offered aspects related to disaster mitigation, urban settlements, waste, and coastal area planning. They have successful experience in New Orleans, and our conditions are very similar to the City of New Orleans,” said Suwandiasa on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
According to Suwandiasa, the collaboration opportunity between the Mataram City Government and the University of New Orleans is quite potential to occur this year.
“Why not, this is the initial exploration. Hopefully, with this communication, there will be a reciprocal visit. The presence of the Vice President of The Beach Research and Technology Foundation at the University of New Orleans here must be utilised (for collaboration),” explained Suwandiasa.
The Mayor of Mataram, Mohan Roliskana, also responded positively to the exploratory visit from the City of New Orleans, United States.
“It could happen (deeper collaboration), it could develop rapidly later. This is like a delegation; they appreciate us and see our seriousness in managing innovation and creativity. Thus, they yesterday for knowledge transfer to enrich us about innovation,” explained Mohan.
Vice President of The Beach UNO, Shafin Khan, expressed his interest in future collaboration with the Mataram City Government, both through coastal area planning, urban settlement planning, waste management, and disaster-related issues.
“We are very interested in future collaboration with the city of Mataram,” said Khan.