SURABAYA – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held the 2026 Silaturahmi Orang Tua Mahasiswa Baru (SILMABA), or Gathering with Parents of New Students, on Saturday, August 23, 2026, at the FPK UNAIR courtyard. The event brought together the faculty, new students, parents, and guardians to establish communication, mutual understanding, and a sense of togetherness from the beginning of the students’ academic journey.
The program began with participant registration and a Student Organization (Organisasi Mahasiswa or Ormawa) Safari. During this session, parents and guardians were introduced to various platforms for student development, including the Student Executive Board (BEM), Student Legislative Board (BLM), student associations (HIMA), semi-autonomous bodies, and interest- and talent-based communities. These included Kajian Keilmiahan Mahasiswa (KAKEMA), Fisheries Processing Club (FPC), Hammerhead Diving Club (HDC), the Arts and Music Community (KOSMIK), SKI, sports communities, and Kraken Mania.
Exploring Academic Life and Student Development
The official program opened with a performance of the Sekar Lodro Dance by Putri Tulus Handayani, a member of the FPK UNAIR Class of 2026. The Dean of FPK UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Endang Dewi Masithah, Ir., M.P., then delivered her welcoming remarks and introduced the faculty leadership, lecturers, and educational staff to the parents and guardians.
In her remarks, Prof. Endang emphasized the important role that FPK UNAIR students will play in preparing for the future of Indonesia’s fisheries and maritime sectors. “The year 2045 marks Indonesia’s vision to optimize the potential of its oceans, fisheries, and maritime resources. Therefore, your children here will become key contributors to sustaining and advancing the fisheries sector in the future, and FPK UNAIR is ready to prepare and develop them,” she stated.
Prof. Endang also presented various aspects of academic life at FPK UNAIR, including the curriculum, facilities, educational system, and career prospects for graduates. The presentation provided parents and guardians with an overview of an educational environment designed to support both students’ academic and non-academic development.
The session continued with a presentation by the Vice Dean III of FPK UNAIR, Annur Ahadi Abdillah, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., who introduced various opportunities for student development, including participation in lecturers’ research activities. “Lecturers’ research can also be conducted together with students, allowing them not only to gain knowledge in the classroom but also to have opportunities to become directly involved in research activities,” Annur explained.
These opportunities reflect FPK UNAIR’s efforts to provide broader learning experiences while developing students’ academic, research, and professional competencies throughout their studies.
Student Creativity Enlivens SILMABA 2026
SILMABA 2026 was also enlivened by a Sinden Lewung performance by Dania, an Aquaculture student and FPK UNAIR Ambassador. The program also featured a collaborative musical drama performed by BEM FPK UNAIR, students, and FPK UNAIR Ambassadors, portraying the dynamics of university life and the sense of togetherness within the FPK UNAIR community.
New students also presented performances as a form of appreciation for their parents and guardians. The diverse program demonstrated that student development extends beyond the classroom through organizational involvement, creativity, leadership, research participation, and the development of individual interests and talents.
One of the parents of a new student from the Aquaculture Study Program, Mr. Bryan, shared his hopes for his child’s future. “I hope that FPK UNAIR will be able to guide my child to become a person who can contribute positively and be beneficial to others,” he said.
Through SILMABA 2026, FPK UNAIR strengthened the synergy between the faculty, students, and families in creating a supportive educational environment. The event aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education by strengthening communication and support throughout students’ educational journeys. Furthermore, the involvement of the faculty, students, parents, and student organizations reflects the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration to support students’ sustainable development.
Writer : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
