The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), continues to strengthen its global academic engagement through the active involvement of its faculty members in international forums. On 28 April 2026, Mr. Terry Previo Avianto, S.Pi., M.Si., served as a guest lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), delivering a lecture titled “International Food Law: Its Implementation and Effect in Indonesia.” Conducted online via Zoom, the session was attended by second-semester students of the Faculty of Food Science and Agrotechnology (FSMA) UMT enrolled in the Food Law course. This cross-border academic exchange provided valuable insights into the interconnection between food regulations, international trade, and national governance systems, reinforcing the importance of harmonized legal frameworks in today’s globalized food industry.
Guest Lecture Strengthens Indonesia–Malaysia Academic Collaboration
The guest lecture was organized by the Faculty of Food Science and Agrotechnology at UMT and took place on Wednesday, 28 April 2026. The agenda consisted of a comprehensive presentation, followed by an engaging academic discussion and an interactive question-and-answer session. Students actively participated in exploring issues related to food standard harmonization at both regional and global levels, particularly in the context of international trade compliance and regulatory alignment.
This initiative represents a concrete step in FPK UNAIR’s internationalization strategy, aimed at expanding higher education partnerships across borders. By contributing expertise in international food governance, FPK UNAIR not only strengthens institutional ties with UMT but also opens avenues for broader collaboration, including joint curriculum development, collaborative research projects, and future academic mobility programs. Such engagements demonstrate how academic diplomacy can foster mutual understanding and shared capacity-building in food safety and regulatory science within Southeast Asia.
Global Standards and the Role of Codex in Food Law Systems
In his presentation, Mr. Terry Previo Avianto explained that the international food law system is fundamentally anchored in standards developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a body jointly established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex formulates science-based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice designed to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the international food trade.
He emphasized that harmonization of food standards is crucial within the global trading system. Food products entering international markets must comply with recognized safety and quality requirements to gain acceptance in importing countries without creating unnecessary trade barriers. The recognition of Codex standards by the World Trade Organization (WTO) further underscores their global significance. Through the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, Codex standards serve as official references in trade dispute settlement mechanisms. This recognition illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of food law, which intersects legal frameworks, economic considerations, and public policy objectives.
Implementation of International Food Law in Indonesia
Within the Indonesian context, the implementation of international food law principles is reflected in Law Number 18 of 2012 on Food, which regulates the national food system from production to distribution. Indonesia integrates Codex standards into its National Standardization System (Standar Nasional Indonesia/SNI) through the National Codex Committee and mirror committee mechanisms. These structures ensure that developments in global standards are systematically adapted into domestic policies and regulatory frameworks.
The fisheries sector provides concrete examples of this harmonization process. Export standards for frozen shrimp align with Codex Standard CXS 92-1981, while canned tuna follows Codex Standard CXS 70-1981. Such alignment plays a vital role in maintaining the competitiveness of Indonesian fisheries products in international markets while safeguarding food safety and quality. By adopting globally recognized benchmarks, Indonesia enhances its export credibility and strengthens consumer protection at both national and international levels.
Objectives and Impact of the Academic Engagement
The primary objective of this guest lecture was to provide UMT students with a comprehensive understanding of how international food law principles are implemented in Indonesia. At the same time, the activity aimed to reinforce academic relations between FPK UNAIR and FSMA UMT. Through this forum, both institutions were able to exchange best practices in developing education and research programs grounded in international standards.
The benefits of the event were reflected in the constructive academic dialogue established during the session and the potential for sustained collaboration. Prospective initiatives include recurring guest lectures, joint research projects, and faculty and student exchange programs. Such collaborations support the advancement of food law scholarship and contribute to regional capacity-building in food safety governance. Further information regarding faculty profiles, study programs, laboratories, and international initiatives can be accessed through the official FPK UNAIR website. Readers may continue to Part 2 to explore broader opportunities for academic collaboration.
Commitment to SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals
FPK UNAIR’s participation in this international guest lecture aligns with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The collaboration between FPK UNAIR and UMT highlights the importance of global partnerships in strengthening knowledge exchange, harmonizing standards, and enhancing academic capacity across countries. By fostering cross-border cooperation in food law and regulatory science, both institutions contribute to sustainable development through shared expertise and collective progress.
