Central Lombok – Vice Rector III of Hamzanwadi University, Dr. Muhamad Ali, M.Si., opened a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the Hamzanwadi University research team, recipients of the 2026 Regular Fundamental Research Grant from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, in Kuta, Central Lombok, on Saturday (July 18th).

The FGD was part of the data collection phase for the research entitled "Designing an SDGs-Based Participatory Economic Education Model for Empowering MSMEs in Villages Surrounding the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Within the Empowered Village Framework."

The forum addressed two themes: "An Integrative Green Economy Model for Post-Disaster Sustainable Tourism Transformation: A Case Study of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Lombok," and "Designing an SDGs-Based Participatory Economic Education Model for Empowering MSMEs in Villages Surrounding the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Within the Empowered Village Framework."

Dr. Muhamad Ali expressed his appreciation for the success of Hamzanwadi University lecturers in obtaining competitive funding through the 2026 Regular Fundamental Research scheme of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. He stated that this achievement reflects the increased academic capacity of lecturers and strengthens the university's contribution to producing research that impacts development.

"The success of Hamzanwadi University lecturers in obtaining this research grant is an achievement worthy of appreciation. More importantly, this research must produce recommendations and solutions that can be utilized by the government or the community in addressing various development issues," he said.

He emphasized that research is one of the main pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Therefore, every research project that receives national funding must be able to produce academic outcomes while providing tangible benefits to society.

"Hamzanwadi University continues to encourage lecturers to actively produce high-quality, innovative, and relevant research that meets community needs. Through the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the university must act as a strategic partner for the government in formulating science-based solutions," he said.

According to Ali, the research conducted by this year's grant recipients is highly relevant to the development needs of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is transforming into a world-class tourism destination.

After facing the 2018 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in the region require a development model that can strengthen economic resilience without neglecting environmental and socio-cultural aspects.

Through the FGD, the researchers gathered input from various stakeholders, including the Central Lombok Regency Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Community and Village Empowerment Office, the Cooperatives and MSMEs Office, the Tourism Office, the Mandalika ITDC (Information and Communication Technology Development Agency), village governments within the Mandalika SEZ area, tourism awareness groups, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), MSMEs, and academics.

Muhamad Ali hopes that the research findings of these grant recipients will enrich the academic landscape and serve as a reference in formulating development policies, particularly in strengthening MSMEs, developing a green economy, and transforming sustainable tourism in the Mandalika SEZ.