Universitas Andalas Faculty of Law Promotes Blue Economy through PUSAHI for Coastal Resilience, Supporting SDG 14 and SDG 13

Padang, August 7, 2025 — As part of its contribution to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the Faculty of Law, Universitas Andalas, has revitalized the Indian Ocean Regional Study Center (PUSAHI) as a strategic initiative to address coastal and marine challenges. The reactivation of PUSAHI reflects the university’s commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education through strengthening research, policy advocacy, and community engagement based on the blue economy approach.

PUSAHI is a research center focused on studies in maritime law, maritime security, coastal protection, ocean-related climate change, and the protection of coastal community rights. The establishment of this center is closely linked to the strategic geographical position of Universitas Andalas, which faces the Indian Ocean, making it highly relevant for the development of marine law and policy studies in the region.

Vice Director of PUSAHI, Dr. Delfiyanti, explained that the idea for establishing the center originated from Hasyim Djalal, a former Indonesian diplomat, who emphasized the importance of strengthening studies related to the Indian Ocean region. She stated that PUSAHI is expected to become a leading center for the development of maritime law and strategic ocean-related issues.

Secretary of PUSAHI, Zimtya Zora, M.Hum., added that the center not only functions as an academic institution but also collaborates with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA), and the Water and Air Police (Polairud). These partnerships aim to bridge academic research with practical policy implementation, particularly in coastal and marine management.

Meanwhile, Head of the PUSAHI Executive Board, Muhammad Shiddiq Putra, S.H., emphasized that PUSAHI serves not only as a research platform but also as a bridge between legal scholarship and the real needs of coastal communities. Since its reactivation in 2024, PUSAHI has initiated various activities, including community capacity building, marine law-based policy advocacy, and impactful academic and community service programs.

Looking ahead, PUSAHI aims to become a leading center for coastal and marine law studies in Sumatra and western Indonesia. Through a collaborative approach involving academia, government, and communities, the center is expected to promote evidence-based policymaking and support inclusive and sustainable coastal development in line with blue economy principles.