Endang Jamal Strengthens Australia–Indonesia Marine Science Collaboration in Maluku
Endang Jamal is a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at Universitas Pattimura in Ambon. In 2023, she completed a PhD in Environmental Science and Management at Southern Cross University. Her research examined contaminants in estuarine environments and their effects on oyster health, focusing on the Richmond River estuary in New South Wales. Since returning to Indonesia, Endang has used her experience in Australia to advance marine research, strengthen institutional partnerships, and create new opportunities for students and academics in Maluku.
Building networks through research
At Southern Cross University, Endang worked closely with Professors Reichelt-Brushett and Benkendorff, developing expertise in environmental monitoring, ecotoxicology, laboratory analysis, and marine research. Her research showed that oysters could accumulate a wider range of pesticides than surrounding water, highlighting their value as indicators of environmental contamination. The research was published in “Environmental Pollution”, with Endang as lead author with researchers from Southern Cross University and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
The doctoral experience also created a strong professional network that continues to generate research opportunities. Through her supervisor, Endang developed a collaboration with researcher Carmel McDougall on Saccostrea oysters in Ambon Bay. The research team collected samples and used molecular analysis to identify five oyster species, including two spiny oysters that may warrant further investigation. The project contributes to Endang’s longer-term interest in oyster biodiversity and the potential for low-input oyster aquaculture to support coastal communities in Maluku.
Endang’s networks have also expanded through academic events and international engagement. In 2025, Endang participated as a panellist in the ASEAN–Australia Education Dialogue in Penang, where she discussed her Australia Awards experience and the impacts of water quality and ecotoxicology on communities. She also developed contacts with academics and institutions in the region, opening possibilities for future student mobility and wider regional cooperation.
Expanding connections between Universitas Pattimura and Southern Cross University
After returning to Ambon, Endang transformed individual academic relationships into a formal partnership between Southern Cross University and Universitas Pattimura. This started through guest lectures with Professor Reichelt-Brushett visiting Universitas Pattimura to deliver sessions on marine pollution and environmental management. Through these visits Professor Reichelt-Brushett was introduced to the leadership of Universitas Pattimura, leading to the development of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in research, teaching, academic engagement, and student activities.
“When she first came to Ambon, I introduced her to the university leadership. We were interested in establishing an MoU between the two universities, so we developed it from there,” Endang explained.
One of the partnership’s achievements has been implementation of a New Colombo Plan (NCP) program. Endang serves as a co-coordinator. In 2024, 21 students and two lecturers travelled to Ambon, followed by 15 students and two lecturers in 2025, with another group planned for 2026. The program covers activities focused on tropical marine biodiversity including field sampling, marine litter assessments, mangrove restoration, seagrass assessments and visits to waste-management facilities. Around 15 Universitas Pattimura students also participate, enabling both groups to learn directly from one another, local communities, environmental organisations, and government agencies.
Endang and her former supervisors are now exploring a research consortium connecting Australian researchers with academics and Australia Awards alumni from Maluku, North Maluku, and Papua. The proposed collaboration would focus on marine science and biodiversity, with greater emphasis on joint research rather than student mobility alone.
