Unpatti strengthens island-based research for regional development needs

Universitas Pattimura (Unpatti) in Ambon is strengthening island-based research to meet regional development needs through the establishment of the Community-Based Area Management Study Centre (PS-PKBM), which is expected to serve as a data-driven research collaboration hub in Maluku. Universitas Pattimura Rector Professor Freddy Leiwakabessy, speaking in Ambon on Sunday, said the establishment of PS-PKBM is a strategic move by the university to connect academic research with community and local government needs, particularly in coastal and island regions. “This is not merely a research centre but a transformative tool linking academic research to community and local government requirements. Unpatti must deliver tangible contributions, especially to coastal areas,” he said. He added that the PS-PKBM is part of Unpatti’s commitment as an island-based university actively supporting regional development through research, community guidance, and policy recommendations. “The PS-PKBM is expected to act as a bridge between the university, government, and community, ensuring that all development policies are backed by robust, field-based scientific studies,” he added. Dr Adrian SM Walangitan, head of Unpatti’s Architecture Study Programme Expert Group and Laboratory Team, said the research centre was established to unify diverse expertise within a continuous research framework. He stated that the PS-PKBM will serve as a hub for researchers in architecture, fisheries, agriculture, economics, social sciences, forestry, and law to develop community-based area management models suited to Maluku’s conditions. The establishment of PS-PKBM has received support from national academics. Professor I Wayan Widiada, representing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, said Unpatti’s initiative aligns with national development goals that promote research to address regional needs. “Community-based regions are the future of regional development. Unpatti has the resources and strategic position to become a national reference centre for managing community-based areas in island regions,” he said. The PS-PKBM aims to produce strategic outputs, including coastal and island potential maps, community-based spatial management models, scientific studies to support regional policies, research-driven community empowerment programmes, and strengthened collaboration with ministries and national agencies. The establishment of the research centre is part of the university’s transformation into a nationally recognised research institution capable of addressing Maluku’s developmental challenges.