From February 20 to April 28, 2025, the Fisheries Processing Club (FPC) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, carried out a special merchandise initiative. The program aimed to reinforce internal identity and expand the organization’s external presence through exclusive jackets featuring the FPC logo, slogan, and core values. Worn by all members, these jackets symbolized pride and strong affiliation with the organization, while also serving as a visual representation of FPC’s brand in both internal and public activities.
The FPC Merchandise initiative was designed to achieve multiple objectives, combining identity-building, promotion, and fundraising in a single program. By producing high-quality jackets that reflect the organization’s values, the program not only strengthened the sense of belonging among members but also increased recognition of FPC in broader academic and social circles. The merchandise was actively promoted through social media, shared via company profiles, and showcased during various internal and external events, highlighting the role of visual branding in reinforcing organizational culture. Members wearing the jackets at official events created a cohesive image that emphasized professionalism and collective pride, while simultaneously signaling the organization’s active presence and credibility.
In addition to its branding function, the merchandise initiative contributed positively to FPC’s funding strategy. Proceeds from sales were allocated to the organization’s operational budget, supporting other work programs and enabling greater flexibility in executing future projects. This dual-purpose approach—combining identity reinforcement with financial sustainability—demonstrated strategic planning in organizational management. By leveraging merchandise as both a symbol and a revenue stream, FPC successfully integrated marketing, member engagement, and program financing into a coherent and effective organizational tool.
Despite the overall success, the program faced several implementation challenges. Delays in jacket production were caused by limited cooperation from the vendor, highlighting the importance of meticulous vendor selection and timely communication. Additionally, adjustments in design during the production phase led to further delays, emphasizing the need for finalized designs before placing orders. These lessons provide crucial guidance for future initiatives, ensuring that merchandise activities can run more efficiently and achieve maximum impact. By addressing these challenges, FPC can refine its approach to similar projects, strengthening operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards for organizational branding.
Ultimately, the FPC Merchandise initiative exemplifies how strategic activities can simultaneously promote identity, increase visibility, and support financial sustainability within student organizations. The program illustrates the value of combining creativity, planning, and community engagement to foster organizational cohesion and public recognition. With the lessons learned, FPC is poised to continue leveraging merchandise and other innovative strategies to enhance its presence, build pride among members, and provide resources for future academic and extracurricular initiatives.
