Surabaya, October 22, 2025 – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) successfully held a National Seminar under the theme “Young, Impactful, Sustainable: Good Footprints from Campus for Indonesia’s Fisheries and Marine Future.” The event, held on Wednesday, gathered approximately 150 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, practitioners, and academics representing several institutions such as Universitas Hang Tuah Surabaya, Politeknik Kelautan dan Perikanan Sidoarjo, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Universitas Dr. Soetomo Surabaya, and Universitas Negeri Surabaya.
The seminar served not only as a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities in Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sectors but also as a means to encourage innovation and youthful enthusiasm in shaping a sustainable future for national fisheries. Three distinguished speakers were invited to share their expertise: Rizhar Eman Karunia Akbar, S.Pi., M.Si., founder of Fishantren; Khusnul Habibi, S.Pi., General Manager of Fish Operation at PT. Kaia Anugerah Indonesia; and Muhammad Hanif Azhar, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D.
Rizhar Eman Karunia Akbar shared the inspiring story behind Fishantren, an educational initiative rooted in the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) system, which aims to empower youth with technological knowledge in aquaculture and fisheries management. He explained that Fishantren combines social impact and sustainable business models, emphasizing innovation through biofloc technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) in aquaculture systems. “This initiative integrates science with social empowerment, providing long-term economic and educational benefits,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Khusnul Habibi highlighted the importance of building a blue economy that promotes sustainability and environmental awareness. “It’s not just about catching fish, but about creating a sustainable, eco-friendly fisheries industry. We must preserve marine ecosystems while generating new job opportunities, ensuring that the ocean economy thrives without compromising environmental balance,” he said. His insights inspired participants to view fisheries not only as a livelihood but also as a mission to protect and sustain Indonesia’s marine biodiversity.
In addition to the main seminar sessions, the event featured a scientific forum involving young researchers and student organizations such as PKM-PM BANDALA, Himpunan Mahasiswa Akuakultur, and the Fisheries Processing Club. These groups presented innovative research, social empowerment projects, and technological solutions aligned with the development of Indonesia’s fisheries sector. The forum began with presentations by Moch Saad, S.Pi., M.Si. from the Marine Science Study Program, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, and Rizky Dwi Putri, SE., M.Pd., Ph.D., lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Malang, who emphasized cross-disciplinary collaboration between economic, educational, and marine sectors.
The seminar reaffirmed that young generations play a crucial role in driving positive change within the fisheries and marine industries of Indonesia. Through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, the event showcased how the academic community can actively contribute to advancing responsible and inclusive marine development. As a platform bridging academia and practice, this national seminar symbolized FPK UNAIR’s dedication to shaping future leaders and innovators who are ready to strengthen Indonesia’s fisheries sector for generations to come. The event concluded with optimism and a shared vision to build a progressive, sustainable, and globally competitive fisheries industry.
