Sidoarjo – MANDALA 3.0 (Masyarakat Mandiri dalam Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan) officially commenced its series of community engagement activities with an opening ceremony and sanitation and hygiene awareness program in Kalanganyar Village, Sedati District, Sidoarjo Regency, on July 15, 2026. Held at the Kalanganyar Village Hall, the event marked the beginning of a community service initiative organized by the Student Association of Fisheries Product Technology (HIMATEKHIKAN), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), to enhance public understanding of sanitation and hygiene in promoting environmental health, improving fisheries product quality, and supporting the well-being of coastal communities.
The event was attended by village officials, fisheries business operators, community groups, local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and residents. In addition to officially launching MANDALA 3.0, the gathering introduced the community to the series of programs that will be implemented throughout the project, enabling participants to understand both the objectives and expected benefits of the initiative.
Opening Ceremony Marks the Beginning of Community Empowerment
The event began with an opening session hosted by the master of ceremonies, followed by welcoming remarks from the Person in Charge (PIC), the Head of the Organizing Committee, the President of HIMATEKHIKAN, and representatives of the Kalanganyar Village Government. In their speeches, all parties emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and local communities in creating sustainable empowerment programs.
The President of HIMATEKHIKAN stated that the initiative was designed to deliver practical knowledge that directly benefits coastal communities.
“MANDALA 3.0 is designed not only as a community service program but also as a platform for empowering local communities through practical education that supports better quality of life and improved fisheries product standards,” the representative said.
Raising Public Awareness of Sanitation and Hygiene
The main agenda of the first day focused on sanitation and hygiene education, covering topics such as personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, domestic waste management, access to clean water, and hygienic handling of fisheries products to ensure their quality and safety before reaching the market.
The session was delivered through presentations, discussions, and interactive question-and-answer sessions, allowing participants to share challenges faced within their communities while receiving practical solutions applicable to their daily lives.
Approximately 20 participants attended the program, representing diverse groups, including local residents, homemakers, MSME owners, and community organizations. Participants actively engaged in discussions, particularly on the challenges of maintaining sanitation in coastal areas and the importance of adopting clean and healthy living practices to improve fisheries product quality.
Strengthening Partnerships for Healthier Coastal Communities
The first day concluded with a documentation session and a brief evaluation to assess participants’ understanding of the material presented. The evaluation indicated an increased level of awareness regarding the importance of sanitation and hygiene in protecting public health, enhancing fisheries product quality, and reducing environmental pollution.
The implementation of MANDALA 3.0 also strengthens collaboration between the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, the Kalanganyar Village Government, and the local community as part of the university’s commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community engagement. By promoting clean and healthy living practices alongside improved environmental sanitation, the program contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Through this initiative, MANDALA 3.0 is expected to become an important step toward creating healthier, more independent, and more sustainable coastal communities.
