“I used to harm the ocean,
now I help restore it.”
—Bajau Fisher participating in
coastal management
From the Alas Strait, We Grow Ocean Stewards
For over four decades, Yayasan Juang Laut Lestari (JARI) has worked alongside coastal communities to restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and shape the Alas Strait as a future Hope Spot. From fishers to students, villages to policy spaces — our movement is built by communities and guided by the ocean.
What We Do
The Alas Strait is our living laboratory where communities, science, and tradition come together. Here, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and small island ecosystems are also homes, classrooms and sources of life. Our work moves through five pillars linking knowledge, action, and community leadership.
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![Three children sitting outdoors, reading or looking at papers. One girl at the center is focused on what she is reading, wearing a white shirt, and has short dark hair. To her right is a girl wearing a black hijab and a green jacket, also looking at papers. The arm and hand of a child holding a booklet with an illustrated map are visible on the left side of the image. The background features trees and an elevated wooden structure with a tin roof.]()
Ocean Knowledge and Literacy
We turn local knowledge and science into action through research, citizen science, and ocean learning for schools and communities.
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![A bright red starfish on sandy ground with small green plants and pebbles.]()
Community-Based Conservation
Communities lead the protection and restoration of coral reefs, seagrass, and coastal ecosystems.
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![A man holding a fishing pole with a fish on the line, standing waist-deep in water with a clear blue sky above and trees in the background.]()
Governance and Rights
We build bridges between communities, government, and partners to strengthen marine governance and community rights.
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![A woman wearing a black hijab and a yellow and white shirt holding a large octopus over a blue scale. The scene is outdoors with mountains, houses, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.]()
Sustainable Livelihoods and Blue Economy
We strengthen coastal economies through fisheries, women-led enterprises, and regenerative livelihoods.
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![A group of people sitting and standing on a small dock over the water, pointing upwards and smiling, with a bright blue sky and distant land in the background.]()
Partnerships
Through dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, we ensure that local voices shape decisions about the ocean.
Our Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets the direction for the next phase of JARI’s journey, focusing on the Alas Strait as a future Hope Spot.
It guides our work to restore ecosystems, strengthen community leadership, and build sustainable coastal livelihoods through collaboration and knowledge.
“From collecting data to protecting our sea, I am part of the change.”
— Community Data Collector
Our Impact
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Communities move beyond temporary closures to long-term, self-managed marine areas, protecting what sustains their future
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Women lead ocean literacy, conservation, and livelihoods, working alongside men as equal stewards of their sea
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Savings reduce dependence on debt and build discipline, helping communities plan, stay consistent, and move forward together
Upcoming Events
Events are an important part of JARI’s work, creating space for learning, exchange, and collaboration.
April 2026
MARRS Training
June 2026
Pekan Bahari
October 2026
Pekan Gurita
Be part of this movement —
from the shore to the sea.
Support JARI by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to protect the ocean and empower coastal communities.