Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga continues to highlight the global achievements of its alumni. One of the alumni from the 2016 Aquaculture Study Program, Muhammad Cesar Briliandi, widely known as Cak Cesar, has successfully established an international career as a marine biologist in the Maldives. His academic and professional journey has become an inspiration for FPK UNAIR students to pursue international opportunities in the fields of marine and fisheries sciences.
After completing his undergraduate studies at FPK UNAIR, Cak Cesar continued his master’s degree through a scholarship program at the National Taiwan Ocean University. During his postgraduate studies, he specialized in ichthyology and taxonomy, focusing his research on DNA barcoding methods for whole mitochondrial genome analysis. His strong interest in marine biodiversity and scientific exploration became an important foundation for the development of his academic and professional career in marine science.
Following the completion of his studies in Taiwan, Cak Cesar decided to broaden his experience and perspective within the international professional environment. His passion for marine conservation, ecotourism, and cross-cultural interaction led him to pursue a career as a Marine Biologist Guest Experience specialist in the Maldives. Currently, he also serves as a Marine Biologist and Scuba Diving Assistant Instructor at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, one of the world-renowned marine tourism destinations recognized for its rich tropical marine ecosystem.
In his professional role, Cak Cesar is not only responsible for educating international guests about marine ecosystems, but is also actively involved in various conservation activities and tropical marine biodiversity programs. Through these experiences, he has been able to connect academic knowledge with practical field applications, particularly in raising public awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable ocean conservation efforts.
Cak Cesar’s career journey demonstrates that graduates in aquaculture and marine sciences possess extensive opportunities to grow within the international arena. According to him, courage in taking opportunities is one of the most important factors in building a successful future career.
“Opportunities will always come from anywhere and at any time, but the courage to take a step forward is the most important thing in becoming a better person,” he stated.
He also shared motivational advice for FPK UNAIR students, encouraging them not to hesitate in exploring new opportunities, including pursuing further studies or careers abroad.
“If you have already dared to take the first step and feel that you are not yet worthy of being in a certain professional or social environment, then you are actually on the right path. It is not the time to step back, but the time to improve yourself and become a better person,” he added.
The inspiring story of Cak Cesar aligns closely with the commitment of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, in supporting educational internationalization and the development of globally competitive human resources. Furthermore, his contribution to marine conservation and marine education also supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through global competency development and academic capacity building, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through professional career development in the international marine sector, and SDG 14: Life Below Water through sustainable marine conservation and ocean literacy initiatives.
Through this achievement, FPK UNAIR hopes that more students and alumni will be motivated to develop their potential, expand international networks, and contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources on a global scale. Cak Cesar’s story serves as a clear example that courage, consistency, and a willingness to continue learning can open pathways toward a successful and inspiring international career.
Writer : FBM
Editor : TPA
