Salt House: Collaboration between Academics and the Community for Coastal Empowerment on Seram Island

Salt House: Collaboration between Academics and the Community for Coastal Empowerment on Seram Island By: Dasapta Erwin Irawan | Photo: Andi Egon and Susanna Nurdjaman Empowering coastal communities is a key focus of community service at the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FITB). One of the latest initiatives is the construction of the “Rumah Garam” (Salt House) in Ulahahan, Seram Island, Maluku, initiated by the FITB ITB Oceanography Research Group team under the coordination of Dr. Susanna Nurdjaman and Dr. Andi Egon.

This activity involved close collaboration between a team of academics and the local community. The Salt House construction process is documented in two photographs, illustrating the spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness. In the initial stages, the team and residents manually constructed the wooden frame, utilizing local materials and simple, easy-to-implement designs. Some sections of the roof utilize transparent panels, maximizing sunlight as part of the salt production process. More than just building a physical facility, the Salt House serves as a platform for transferring knowledge and appropriate technology to the community. The active involvement of residents throughout the construction process strengthens a sense of ownership and ensures the continued use of the Salt House after the project is completed. The spirit of enthusiasm and optimism is evident in the expressions of the participants, who documented the moment together with a thumbs-up gesture—a symbol of successful collaboration.

Salt House is expected to increase local salt production capacity and add value to the economy of the coastal communities of Seram Island. Furthermore, this project serves as a concrete example of how synergy between academics and the community can produce innovative solutions relevant to the needs and potential of the region. FITB remains committed to providing community service programs with direct and sustainable impact, supporting the inclusive and science-based development of Indonesia’s coastal areas.