When Jamaluddin Jompa was a boy in Takalar, South Sulawesi, he swam in waters teeming with fish and coral. Today, as a marine scientist and rector of Hasanuddin University, he’s bringing that life back. Growing up beside the sea, he watched as reefs that once brimmed with color and life began to fade. That loss sparked a mission: to heal Indonesia’s coral ecosystems and protect the millions who depend on them.
Coral reefs are more than underwater gardens—they’re lifelines. They shelter fish that feed coastal communities, buffer shorelines from storms, and support livelihoods. But climate change, overfishing, and pollution have damaged more than half of Indonesia’s reefs. Jompa knew science had to lead the recovery.
In 1989, he began studying aquaculture at Hasanuddin University. Over the next three decades, he earned advanced degrees in Canada and Australia, then returned home to build a research program that does more than study reefs—it revives them. As leader of the CORES Research Group, Jompa and his team tackle everything from coral biology to climate resilience. One of their biggest successes came at the Badi Islands, where they used the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System to rebuild a reef once buried under rubble. Within years, coral cover jumped to over 60%, a sign that even broken ecosystems can heal.
But restoration isn’t enough if we can’t monitor it effectively. That’s why Jompa’s team is pioneering new tools. At 147 reef sites across the Wallacea region, they combine environmental DNA (eDNA) testing with traditional surveys to map biodiversity. By analyzing water samples for traces of DNA shed by fish and corals, they can detect species without disturbing the ecosystem. This helps pinpoint which areas need urgent protection.
They’re also listening to the sea. Healthy reefs are noisy—snapping shrimp, fish calls, and waves create a natural symphony. Using underwater microphones and artificial intelligence, Jompa’s team analyzes these soundscapes to assess reef health. AI helps detect changes over time, offering a low-cost, scalable way for managers to track recovery.
"Building a holistic approach to marine conservation has always been my underlying motivation," says Jompa. His vision connects science, technology, and policy to create lasting change. By proving that reefs can be restored and monitored with innovation, he’s setting a blueprint for coastal nations worldwide. As oceans warm and storms grow stronger, Jompa’s work isn’t just about saving coral—it’s about safeguarding the future of coastal life.