The Coral Triangle Center (CTC), in collaboration with the Directorate of Ecosystem Conservation and RARE Indonesia, successfully conducted the first national Training and Competency Assessment on Conservation Outreach for Community from 20 to 25 October 2025 in Makassar. The program was designed to strengthen the capacity of conservation area (CA) managers across Indonesia in delivering effective community outreach related to marine and coastal ecosystem conservation. A total of 60 CA managers from 27 provinces took part in the six-day activity, which included four days of training followed by two days of competency assessment facilitated by LSP Konservasi dan Jasa Kelautan (LSP KJK) under TUK CTC. This initiative marked the first implementation of this training and assessment scheme at the national level.

The training was developed based on the National Work Competency Standards of Indonesia (SKKNI) No. 96/2018 on Conservation Outreach, focusing on enhancing participants’ understanding and skills in identifying destructive behaviors toward natural resources, communicating effectively, facilitating stakeholder meetings, supporting the formation and capacity building of community groups, implementing conservation campaigns, and designing outreach events. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in three days of classroom learning and one day of field practice in Takalar Regency, where they carried out an outreach simulation activity with 34 community members from the Tanakeke Conservation Area. This field component provided participants with direct experience in applying outreach concepts within a real community setting, helping them build confidence and strengthen their facilitation and communication skills.

Following the training, participants completed a two-day competency assessment conducted by seven certified assessors from LSP KJK. The assessment process involved a series of evaluations, including project submissions, oral questions, and observation of skills to ensure the participants met the required national standards. Out of the 60 individuals assessed, 57 were recommended as competent and are now in the process of receiving national certification from the National Professional Certification Board (BNSP). The assessment aimed to ensure that CA managers possess the necessary competencies to conduct outreach activities in accordance with national standards while also providing them with formal recognition of their skills.

The training and assessment were supported by a strong collaboration involving CTC’s trainers and assessors, including Silvia Timotius, Wienda J. Ardiyani, Hana Wanda Laura, Kasman, Boy, and Nyoman, together with trainers from RARE Indonesia and assessors from LSP KJK. This multi-institutional effort highlights a model of partnership that can be replicated to strengthen conservation capacity across the country.

The training recorded a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, with the average score rising from 52.67 on the pre-test to 85 on the post-test. Participants also expressed high levels of satisfaction, noting the clarity of the materials, the engaging facilitation, the supportive learning environment, and the value of the field practice in enhancing their understanding of community outreach. Many participants also provided constructive suggestions for future improvements, such as extending the training duration, allocating more time for field practice, offering additional case studies, and presenting materials at a slower pace to allow for deeper discussion and reflection.

This training and competency assessment contributes to Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen marine conservation capacity and supports the national Blue Economy policy, which aims to expand marine protected areas to 30 percent of national waters by 2030. By equipping CA managers with strong outreach skills and nationally recognized competencies, the program enhances the effectiveness of conservation management and promotes meaningful engagement with coastal communities.

Writer: Asia Salsabilla

Photos: Hana Wanda/CTC