Surabaya, March 18, 2026 — Devoting oneself to the education sector after years of working in industry is not an easy path for everyone. However, for Puguh Yugo Wijanarko, this transition represents a concrete commitment to shaping a generation of young professionals who are job-ready and globally competitive, particularly in the fisheries sector.
Puguh, often known as Cak Puguh, is a master’s graduate in Fisheries Science from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). He has a unique career trajectory. Before fully entering the education field, he spent seven years working as a credit analyst from 2011 to 2018.
Transition into Education
A strong sense of calling led him back to his academic roots in fisheries. Since January 2021, Puguh has been serving as a vocational teacher specializing in fisheries at SMKN Ngadirojo. Prior to entering the workforce, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture from the same faculty at UNAIR.
At SMKN Ngadirojo, he does more than just teach in the classroom. He also manages a Teaching Factory—an industry-based learning model focused on tilapia and catfish commodities—designed to equip students with practical, real-world competencies.
“We collaborate with industry partners to align the school curriculum with current workforce demands,” he explained in his professional profile.
Through his dedication, Puguh has not only produced job-ready graduates but also inspired many of his students to pursue higher education. His technical expertise in water quality analysis and fish disease management has become a key asset in mentoring vocational students.
Academic Excellence
Despite his busy teaching schedule, Puguh remains committed to lifelong learning. After completing his undergraduate degree in Aquaculture at UNAIR in 2011, he recently earned his master’s degree in Fisheries Science from the same university in 2025 with an outstanding GPA of 3.93.
Equipped with advanced fisheries knowledge, along with strong time management, leadership, and strategic communication skills, Puguh is committed to advancing the fisheries sector through education and creating meaningful societal impact. His journey demonstrates how a combination of banking industry experience and fisheries expertise can shape a comprehensive educational approach for Indonesia’s future workforce.
“When I first entered UNAIR in 2006, I didn’t fully realize its excellence. But over time, I came to understand how outstanding it is, and I am very proud to have studied at one of Indonesia’s top public universities. What I appreciate most is the combination of classroom learning and hands-on field experience. The opportunity to pursue my master’s degree has significantly enhanced my knowledge in fisheries after years away from academia. FPK UNAIR continues to grow stronger and better,” he said.
Supporting National Food Security
Beyond fisheries, Puguh is also actively involved in agribusiness. He manages a laying hen farm with a population of approximately 5,000 chickens and contributes to ensuring the availability of key raw materials for tofu and tempe producers.
Amid government efforts to strengthen national food independence, Puguh stands out as a real-sector economic contributor in agribusiness, in line with the Indonesian President’s directive to maintain the stability of protein supply and essential food commodities.
Writer: MBS
Editor: AAA
