SALMON, short for Social and Learning Activity with Morality for Nation, is a flagship community service program initiated by the Ministry of Social and Community Affairs (SOSMA) of the Student Executive Board, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga. The 2025 edition of SALMON involved 58 students from the Aquaculture and Fishery Product Technology study programs, embodying one of the pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—community service. Through this initiative, students of FPK UNAIR translated academic knowledge into real action, fostering social responsibility and community empowerment.
The program began on July 7, 2025, in Penatarsewu Village, Tanggulangin Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency. This village, known for its traditional smoked fish production, became the center of diverse community empowerment activities under SALMON 2025. Besides the main divisions of Public Relations and Internal Affairs, the program consisted of four key focus areas: Economy, Health, Environment, and Education. Each division developed specific programs addressing local challenges, with the aim of enhancing the villagers’ welfare and sustainability. The Opening Ceremony was attended by local authorities including the village head, neighborhood leaders, and the women’s association (PKK). The event introduced SALMON’s objectives and activities, symbolically inaugurated through a traditional tumpeng cutting ceremony. Following the opening, participants conducted social mapping to familiarize themselves with the village environment—visiting host families, the village hall, local schools, and other public spaces—laying the foundation for collaboration and community engagement.
Over 19 days, from July 7 to July 26, 2025, the SALMON 2025 team implemented numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the social, economic, and environmental resilience of Penatarsewu Village. The Economic Division held workshops on digital literacy for small businesses, financial management, and innovative processing of smoked fish products such as chili paste and shredded fish. Smoked fish was chosen as the main material because it is the village’s primary product, yet remains underdeveloped in terms of value-added processing. The activities culminated in the “Salmon Festival,” which featured a fun walk, prize raffles, performances, and competitions open to all villagers. Meanwhile, the Health Division organized engaging programs such as Satu Jam Bersama Ilmu (An Hour with Knowledge), where participants learned about fish smoking techniques from local expert Mr. Nur Khamid. They also conducted vector control activities, awareness campaigns on respiratory diseases (ISPA), reproductive health education in collaboration with the local public health center, dental health education with students from the Faculty of Dentistry UNAIR, as well as group exercises and a youth health post.
In the Education Division, students initiated Nutrient Class sessions—interactive after-school learning activities with local children—and Central Learning programs integrated directly into the learning process at SDN Penatarsewu. Other educational engagements included eco-print workshops and morning exercises that combined fun and learning. The Environment Division complemented these efforts through environmental campaigns on eco-enzymes, waste bank systems, land cleaning, natural school activities, and planting of family medicinal plants (TOGA). The eco-enzyme and waste bank socialization events drew enthusiastic participation from the women’s association, while the land clearing was aimed at preparing community gardens. Collaborative environmental education sessions were also held with the Education Division to teach elementary students about waste sorting and environmental awareness.
After nearly three weeks of intensive activities, SALMON 2025 concluded successfully in the Smokehouse Village of Penatarsewu. Beyond empowering the local community, the program fostered personal growth, empathy, and teamwork among FPK UNAIR students. The organizing committee expressed hope that the positive impacts of this program would continue to resonate—not only among the villagers who benefited directly but also among the students who gained valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and moral responsibility as future professionals. SALMON 2025 stands as a reflection of FPK UNAIR’s dedication to advancing community-based development through education, research, and service for sustainable progress.
