Surabaya, September 13, 2025 — The Sowan Kating program officially concluded on Sunday, September 13, 2025, marking the successful end of a month-long initiative organized by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (PSDM) under the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) Universitas Airlangga. The program aimed to facilitate meaningful interaction between new students and their seniors while providing valuable insights, motivation, and practical guidance on academic and social life within FPK UNAIR.
The Sowan Kating activities were conducted over a one-month period, from August 11 to September 13, 2025, across several areas within the faculty environment, including Astra, WiFi Zone, Student Center, and the faculty pond area. The program followed a structured mechanism: new students, divided into groups, met with assigned k-mates (senior mentors) and participated in sessions covering four general topics and one BEM-related topic of their choice. At the end of each session, participants documented their meeting with group photos, which were later uploaded as evidence to the designated Sowan Kating Google Drive folder.
The success of Sowan Kating was supported by the dedication and collaboration of k-mates from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 cohorts, who served as mentors and facilitators throughout the program. Their active involvement ensured that each session ran smoothly and effectively, fostering a warm and engaging atmosphere. The enthusiasm and positive energy of the new students were evident throughout the program, creating a dynamic environment that strengthened inter-cohort relationships. This interaction not only enhanced students’ sense of belonging but also reinforced the faculty’s spirit of academic solidarity and collaboration.
The program’s benefits extended to both mentors and participants. For k-mates, it offered a platform to gain leadership experience, expand inter-cohort networks, and earn SKP-certified recognition valuable for personal and professional development. Meanwhile, for the new students, Sowan Kating served as an introduction to university culture, providing firsthand insights into academic life, motivating them to adapt to higher education challenges, and helping them build early connections with their senior peers. Through this mentorship-based approach, the program succeeded in bridging the gap between cohorts, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Overall, the Sowan Kating program exemplified the faculty’s commitment to nurturing student engagement, leadership development, and community spirit. It strengthened communication among students, encouraged collaborative learning, and promoted a culture of openness and empathy within the faculty. Moving forward, FPK UNAIR hopes that Sowan Kating will continue to serve as a cornerstone for fostering academic excellence and interpersonal harmony, ensuring that every student—new or senior—feels part of a strong, supportive academic family.
