Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga once again inspired its students through a guest lecture entitled “Career Opportunities and Transformation for Young Generations in the Modern Fisheries and Marine Industry.” The event featured Muhammad Syarif Satriyo Samudra, S.Pi., an FPK UNAIR alumnus from the Class of 2021 and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Rejeki Bintang Samudra. During the session, he shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the vast opportunities available within Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sector.
Attended by students from various study programs within FPK UNAIR, the guest lecture focused on the theme “Opportunities and Challenges for Young Entrepreneurs in Fisheries and Marine Industries.” Through his presentation, Satriyo encouraged students to view fisheries and marine sciences not only as academic disciplines but also as promising fields for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business development.
Drawing from his experience as the CEO of PT Rejeki Bintang Samudra, a company specializing in the cultivation of Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed, Satriyo highlighted the tremendous potential of Indonesia’s fisheries and marine resources. He explained that despite the challenges faced by entrepreneurs—including production management, market access, and innovation development—the sector continues to offer significant opportunities for young people willing to create impactful and sustainable solutions. According to him, many of these challenges can serve as catalysts for innovation and business growth.
During the discussion, Satriyo addressed a common concern among university students: hesitation to take the first step toward entrepreneurship. He emphasized that many business opportunities already exist within local communities, particularly in regions with abundant fisheries and marine resources. However, he noted that students often overlook these opportunities due to self-doubt or fear of failure.
“Open your eyes to the fisheries business opportunities that exist around you, especially in your local area. If you have already identified an opportunity but feel incapable or afraid to start because it seems too difficult, then that mindset needs to change. In reality, university life provides countless opportunities that can be utilized to build a business; sometimes we simply fail to see them from a broader perspective,” he explained.
Satriyo further noted that university students possess a significant advantage because they are surrounded by lecturers, researchers, and academic experts who can provide guidance and mentorship. He encouraged students to leverage this supportive environment while exploring entrepreneurship opportunities. One practical strategy, he suggested, is taking advantage of various entrepreneurship funding schemes available at both university and national levels.
As a recipient of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Development Program (Program Pembinaan Mahasiswa Wirausaha or P2MW), Satriyo shared firsthand experience of how such initiatives can help students transform business ideas into viable ventures. Organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, the P2MW program aims to foster young entrepreneurs through financial support, mentorship, and business capacity development. His success story demonstrated that students can begin building sustainable businesses even before graduation.
According to Satriyo, entrepreneurship programs such as P2MW offer far more than financial assistance. They also provide opportunities to strengthen managerial skills, expand professional networks, and validate business concepts through practical implementation. These experiences, he explained, are invaluable in preparing students to compete in increasingly dynamic and competitive industries.
Beyond discussing entrepreneurship opportunities, Satriyo underscored the importance of innovation as a driving force for the future of Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sector. He argued that many challenges encountered in the field can become sources of inspiration for developing new products, services, and technologies that create value for both communities and industries. From service provision and product development to technological innovation, he believes the possibilities for growth remain extensive.
“If we talk about the challenges in fisheries entrepreneurship, the list will never end. However, behind every challenge lies an opportunity. Whether through services, products, or innovation, there is always room for development. Innovation is one of the most important factors in advancing the fisheries and marine sector. Therefore, do not think that completing your studies is enough. Create opportunities and jobs for others,” he emphasized.
The guest lecture provided students with valuable practical insights into entrepreneurship while reinforcing the idea that fisheries graduates have diverse and dynamic career pathways. Rather than solely becoming job seekers, students were encouraged to become job creators capable of generating positive economic and social impacts within their communities.
The activity also reflects FPK UNAIR’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning opportunities delivered by successful alumni, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through entrepreneurship development and job creation, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the promotion of innovation in fisheries and marine industries, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through sustainable business practices based on aquatic resources.
Through initiatives such as this guest lecture, FPK UNAIR hopes to inspire students to maximize their potential, seize emerging opportunities, and become a generation of innovators capable of contributing meaningful solutions to the advancement of Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sector.
Writer : Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor : TPA
