Saturday, October 11, 2025, marked a historic day in the grand final of the Cak and Ning Surabaya 2025 Tourism Ambassador competition. Three students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, successfully advanced to the semifinal stage of this prestigious annual event organized by the City of Surabaya. The three talented representatives were Mercia Meixi from the 2022 Aquaculture Program (Ning Merci), Rafa Fauzan Pasha from the 2023 Fishery Products Technology Program (Cak Rafa), and Jenar Gandhi Dewantoro from the 2023 Aquaculture Program (Cak Jenar).
The final event, held at the Tugu Pahlawan area, became an unforgettable moment not only for the contestants but also for the academic community of FPK UNAIR. All three participants earned remarkable achievements in the nomination categories. Representing Sukolilo District, Cak Rafa was named Cak Persahabatan (Mr. Friendship) 2025; representing Wonokromo District, Cak Jenar earned the title of Cak Favorit (Mr. Favorite) 2025; and representing Lakarsantri District, Ning Merci achieved the highest recognition by being crowned Ning Surabaya 2025. As one of the active members of Duta FPK UNAIR, Ning Merci’s victory not only brought pride to the faculty but also reflected the university’s spirit in fostering outstanding and socially engaged students.
Behind the festive celebration, a tense moment arose during the announcement of the Cak Favorit 2025 category. In the days leading up to the final night, Cak Jenar ranked third in the public voting, climbing to second place on the day of the event. As the final moments approached, his supporters from FPK UNAIR filled the venue with anticipation. “Alhamdulillah, during the final announcement, Cak Jenar received the highest number of votes and was crowned Cak Favorit 2025,” said Mrs. Dwitha, a lecturer from FPK UNAIR who joined other students in cheering from the audience. Their enthusiastic participation demonstrated the strong sense of community and support among the FPK UNAIR family.
The achievements of these three students once again highlight the active role of Universitas Airlangga in developing student potential beyond academics. Through platforms such as the Cak and Ning competition, students are encouraged to embody values of leadership, cultural appreciation, and communication skills that align with UNAIR’s vision of producing globally competitive graduates with strong character. These accomplishments also serve as inspiration for other students to take part in public representation and cultural advocacy while maintaining the identity and excellence of Universitas Airlangga.
With their triumph at the Cak and Ning Surabaya 2025 event, Mercia, Rafa, and Jenar not only made history for FPK UNAIR but also strengthened the faculty’s reputation as a home for talented and socially conscious young leaders. Their success represents the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that continues to grow within the FPK UNAIR academic environment — a true reflection of Universitas Airlangga’s commitment to empowering its students to become agents of positive change for society.
