CTC Hosts Former Australian Governor General, Strengthening Australia-Indonesia Marine Conservation Partnerships

On July 30, 2026, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) had the honor of welcoming The Honourable Retired General David Hurley, former Governor-General of Australia, to the CTC Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) in Sanur, Bali. The visit was facilitated by Ms. Jo Stevens, the Australian Consulate-General in Bali and Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia.

The visit began with a presentation on CTC’s work across the Coral Triangle, including efforts to strengthen marine protected areas (MPAs), support sustainable fisheries and coastal communities, and restore coral reefs. General Hurley’s interest in CTC’s MPA and coral restoration programs led to an exchange on marine ecosystems protection and building long-term conservation capacity.

During a tour of the CMC, General Hurley also explored CTC’s approach to conservation education, capacity building, and public engagement. The visit also provided an opportunity to share how support from the Australian Consulate in Bali’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) grants and collaboration with Australian academic have contributed to knowledge exchange and cooperation on shared marine conservation priorities.

CTC is grateful for Australia’s continued support and for the opportunity to welcome General Hurley to the Center. His visit reflects strong connections between Indonesian and Australian institutions and provides further momentum for future collaboration with the Australian Consulate-General and Australian organizations.

As marine ecosystems face growing pressures, partnerships across borders are essential now more than ever. CTC looks forward to building on these relationships and working together to advance effective and lasting marine conservation across the Coral Triangle.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra
Photos: Rili Djohani/CTC, Ali C Saka