University of Mataram Implements Policy and Field Actions to Prevent and Control Alien Invasive Species on Campus
University of Mataram (Unram) officially enforces an institutional policy and operational framework to reduce the impact of alien and invasive species across its campus and managed ecosystems through the Rector’s Decree of the University of Mataram Number 5157/UN18/HK/2026 on the Commitment of the University of Mataram to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enacted on April 6, 2026. This decree strengthens the university’s earlier environmental governance mandate under the Rector’s Regulation of the University of Mataram Number 10 of 2022 on the Guidelines for Eco-Green Campus Management.
Institutional Policy Mandate onAlien and Invasive Species
Under the Second Dictum, Point 25 of Rector’s Decree Number 5157/UN18/HK/2026, Unram formally commits to preventing the introduction and controlling the impact of alien and/or invasive species (alien and invasive species) that have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity within all areas managed by the University of Mataram. This mandate operates in conjunction with Points 22, 23, 24, and 26, which require the protection of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, the conservation of native and endemic species, the integration of local biodiversity into campus spatial planning, and active ecosystem restoration through education, research, and community service.
Implementation and Action Programs to Control Invasive Alien Species (2025–2026)
In alignment with sustainable vegetation and biodiversity management practices, Unram translates its alien species reduction policy into concrete operational and academic actions.
- Prioritizing Native Vegetation and Controlling Invasive Plants in Campus Green Spaces and Managed Assets
Unram actively prevents the spread of invasive species in campus landscaping by prioritizing native tree planting across its Green Open Spaces (Ruang Terbuka Hijau), such as the January 2025 Campus Tree Planting Action (“Bersama Menanam, Bersama Menjaga, Menyongsong Kidang Hijau”). Furthermore, during the Rector’s field inspection on April 3, 2026 under the Optimization and Transformation of Unram Assets in Senaru, Bayan, Lingsar, and Narmada, Unram reinforced integrated ecosystem management across its educational forests and field stations to protect native flora, supported by digital species tracking via the University of Mataram Biodiversity Information System (SEHATI Unram).
- Identification and Mapping of Invasive Alien Plant Species (Invasive Alien Plants)
Unram researchers systematically monitor invasive plant distribution using the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) criteria to prevent habitat degradation. Key studies published in Unram’s Jurnal Biologi Tropis include the September 2025 Study on Aquatic Flora Diversity and Invasive Alien Plant Species (Bellucia pentamera) and the June 2026 Assessment of Dominant Invasive Alien Plants (Acrostichum aureum, Nypa fruticans, Mimosa pigra, and Derris) in Mangrove Ecosystems.
- Weed Seed Bank Control and Agricultural Biosecurity
Through the Faculty of Agriculture (Agroecotechnology Study Program), Unram conducts field monitoring and control of noxious invasive weeds (such as Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha, Imperata cylindrica, and Melastoma malabathricum) to protect native and cultivated stands, as documented in the 2025 Study on Weed Seed Banks at Various Soil Depths in North Lombok and the Study on Broadleaf Invasive Weed Competition Management.
- Protecting Native Freshwater Biota from Invasive Alien Fish
Unram actively monitors freshwater habitats in Lingsar (one of the university’s strategic ecosystem and asset zones) to safeguard native species from invasive fish domination, as highlighted in the official university report Tracking the Native Inhabitant: Local Catfish Found Amidst Invasive Fish Encirclement in Lingsar. This effort is supported by March 2026 community outreach on Good Aquaculture Practices (CBIB) in Lingsar, West Lombok and September 2025 conservation studies addressing invasive alien fish challenges in Jurnal Abdi Insani Unram.
Official Policy Document (Evidence):