On Saturday, August 30, 2025, six students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (Unair) embarked on a meaningful academic mission in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The six students — Tirsa Ruthdita Puspita Sari, Lintang Fitrasasi Maharani, Mercia Meixi, M. Arka Samsul Dzakiy, Ahmad Hasrum, and Edo Rizky Pratama Rajagukguk — represented FPK Unair in an international internship program focusing on the exploration and utilization of marine resources as sustainable products. This initiative marked a crucial step in fostering cross-border academic collaboration and environmental innovation between Indonesia and Malaysia.
During the internship, the team conducted a hands-on research project titled “Bioplastic from Macroalgae as a Sustainable Product.” The project tested their creativity, theoretical understanding, and environmental awareness through real-world applications. Two marine resources — red algae and green algae — were selected as the primary materials for developing eco-friendly bioplastics. Throughout the process, students learned not only the scientific methods of bioplastic production but also the distinctive techniques and physical characteristics produced by each type of algae. Their work emphasized that marine biodiversity holds significant potential for advancing sustainable material innovation.
Through an in-depth literature study and experimental approach, the students extracted carrageenan and agar from red algae, two polysaccharides known for their strong natural adhesive properties. The process involved several critical stages — including material selection, pre-treatment, extraction, plasticizer blending, and drying — resulting in durable, heat-resistant, and structurally stable bioplastic sheets. In contrast, the extraction from green algae focused on ulvan, a polysaccharide recognized for producing more flexible and transparent material characteristics. Despite following similar preparation steps, the outcome displayed distinct qualities, providing valuable comparative insights into algae-based bioplastic properties.
This cross-disciplinary approach underscored the diversity of marine biomaterials and their potential to be engineered into various functional products. The culmination of the project came when the team creatively transformed their bioplastic prototypes into eco-friendly keychains, merging scientific innovation with artistic design. This final step reflected their belief that innovation should be not only functional but also expressive — integrating science, sustainability, and creativity into one tangible outcome.
The international internship experience broadened the students’ perspective on the vast potential of marine biomaterials as renewable and sustainable resources. By turning seaweed into bioplastic, the project offered a glimpse into the future of green innovation — one where the ocean serves not just as a food source, but also as a wellspring of environmentally friendly solutions. The participants hope that their collaborative research in Malaysia will inspire further academic exchanges and the development of sustainable technologies across Southeast Asia, advancing both environmental awareness and scientific progress.
