The collaborative program between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), particularly the KAKEMA (Kajian Keilmiahan Mahasiswa) team of Airlangga University, successfully took place over two days. The first day, held on July 23, 2025, focused on a series of activities aimed at discussing program sustainability and strengthening community engagement. The event began with a productive discussion involving the village head and neurosurgery specialist students, who explored strategies for maintaining and improving the ongoing aquaculture programs. The dialogue generated valuable feedback and insights from the local community, emphasizing the importance of synergy between university initiatives and community participation to ensure the program’s long-term success.
Following the discussion, participants joined in harvesting 700 kilograms of Nile tilapia from Sumber Gempong fish ponds, accompanied by student participants from the KH Abdul Chalim University community service program. The harvest provided both practical experience for students and strengthened social bonds between them and the villagers. The post-harvest packaging process actively involved local residents to ensure the fish were properly prepared for distribution. The day concluded with a fish-sharing activity, where the freshly harvested tilapia were distributed among villagers. The event was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from the community, as the shared harvest supported their daily nutritional needs. Through this initiative, residents gained a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable fish farming and its role in improving local welfare.
On the second day, July 26, 2025, the event continued with the stocking of new Nile tilapia fingerlings as a crucial step toward sustaining the aquaculture program. The activity was attended by villagers, university students, and other related stakeholders. The fish release took place directly in the ponds that had been prepared in advance, and local residents enthusiastically participated in the process. This activity not only carried economic value but also served as an educational moment to raise awareness about maintaining aquatic ecosystems and implementing sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, part of the fish distribution was specifically intended to support stunting prevention efforts for toddlers in the Sumber Gempong area, reinforcing the social and health dimensions of the program.
Overall, the two-day collaboration successfully achieved its intended goals of raising community awareness about sustainable aquaculture and program continuity. The joint efforts between KAKEMA of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Airlangga University, and the local community demonstrated how academic collaboration can produce tangible social and environmental impacts. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to environmental preservation, responsible resource management, and the improvement of community welfare through sustainable fisheries practices. Moreover, the fish distribution initiative highlighted the university’s contribution to public health, particularly in supporting nutritional programs to prevent stunting among children. This collaborative approach represents Airlangga University’s ongoing dedication to integrating education, research, and community service in line with its vision of “Excellence with Morality.
