FPK UNAIR, January 1, 2026 – Impactful Alumni
Cak Arif Muttaqin, S.Pi., an alumnus of the Aquaculture Study Program (formerly Aquatic Resources Cultivation) batch 2001 at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, exemplifies the real contribution of UNAIR alumni to regional fisheries development. He currently serves as a civil servant in Blitar Regency, East Java, holding the position of Technical Manager of the Fish Health and Aquaculture Environment Laboratory at the Blitar Regency Livestock and Fisheries Office (2018–present).
Under his leadership, the laboratory has transformed into a more proactive, informative, and solution-oriented service unit for local fish farmers. The laboratory not only conducts sample testing but also provides comprehensive analysis and practical recommendations.
“We provide holistic services. Farmers do not only receive test results but also explanations of the causes and appropriate solutions. For instance, when ammonia levels are high, we explain the causes and recommend treatments such as probiotics or disease control using antibiotics, herbal medicine, patented drugs, or disinfectants as needed,” explained Cak Arif.
Despite its status as a Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), the laboratory offers four main testing scopes:
1. Comprehensive water quality parameter analysis
2. Fish disease testing, including parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses
3. Quantitative microbiological testing such as Total Plate Count (TPC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Aeromonas
4. Molecular biology testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) infection
In addition to field activities, the laboratory actively utilizes Instagram as a promotional and educational platform. “Social media helps us reach more farmers, provide updated information, and demonstrate our performance to stakeholders and the wider community,” said the alumnus who previously worked in the private sector as an Aquaculture Representative at PT Sanbe Farma.
After nearly seven years in his role, Cak Arif finds deep satisfaction when laboratory services directly benefit the community. “When farmers report that their fish have recovered and mortality rates have decreased, that’s when we feel our work truly matters,” he said.
The laboratory is also open as a learning facility for students and interns from various universities and vocational schools across Indonesia. His success, he emphasized, is inseparable from the academic foundation and strong sense of community he gained during his studies at FPK UNAIR.
