Surabaya – Ocean The Way 2026 served as a platform for the Aquaculture Student Association (HIMAKUA) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, to strengthen institutional relations with the Student Executive Family (EKM) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya Kediri Campus. Conducted online via Zoom Meeting on Saturday (20/6/2026), the event brought together 57 participants from both organizations and provided a forum for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences, and expanding networks among students in the fisheries and marine sciences field.
Ocean The Way (OTW) is an evolution of the comparative study program previously organized by HIMAKUA UNAIR. The rebranding was carried out to create an identity that is more closely connected to the fisheries and marine sciences disciplines represented by both organizations. The name Ocean The Way was inspired by the interconnected nature of the ocean through its currents, symbolizing the spirit of connecting students from different institutions to share knowledge, experiences, and establish sustainable collaborations.
The event began with welcoming remarks from representatives of HIMAKUA UNAIR and EKM FPIK UB Kediri. This was followed by presentations from both organizations introducing their organizational structures, flagship programs, and various innovations implemented throughout their respective leadership periods. Through these sessions, participants gained insights into organizational systems, task distribution mechanisms, and member development strategies adopted by each institution.
The organizing committee chair emphasized that Ocean The Way serves not only as a platform for exchanging information about organizational management but also as an opportunity to broaden professional networks and explore future collaborative initiatives among students.
“Through Ocean The Way 2026, we hope participants can gain new perspectives on organizational management while building relationships that support their personal and professional development. This event provides an opportunity to learn from one another and grow together,” the committee chair stated.
Following the presentation session, participants joined a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). During this interactive session, students discussed various organizational aspects, including program implementation, cadre development systems, member capacity building, and academic experiences within their respective institutions. The discussions generated valuable insights that could be used as references for evaluation and future organizational improvement.
One of the most significant outcomes of Ocean The Way 2026 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HIMAKUA of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, and EKM of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya Kediri Campus. The agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to maintaining a sustainable institutional relationship through information exchange, program discussions, member competency development, and the strengthening of student networks.
A representative of HIMAKUA UNAIR explained that the signing of the MoU represents a concrete step toward ensuring that the outcomes of the comparative study extend beyond a one-time exchange of information and generate long-term benefits for both organizations.
“The collaboration established through this MoU is expected to become the starting point for various collaborative programs that will benefit both organizations. We hope that the relationship we have built can continue to grow and contribute positively to student development,” the representative remarked.
Through the MoU, both organizations agreed to share experiences in organizational management, utilize each other’s programs and institutional systems as references for organizational improvement, and explore opportunities for future collaborative activities. This agreement demonstrates that comparative study programs can move beyond knowledge-sharing sessions and result in tangible, sustainable partnerships.
Through Ocean The Way 2026, HIMAKUA UNAIR and EKM FPIK UB Kediri not only gained opportunities to exchange perspectives on organizational management and academic life but also successfully established a formal commitment to collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding. The partnership is expected to serve as the foundation for future collaborative initiatives that benefit students from both institutions. The spirit of mutual learning and cooperation embodied in Ocean The Way 2026 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the importance of partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the sustainable development of student organizations.
Writer : Milka Ainun Najma
Editor : FBM
