The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) officially concluded the Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture (TROFIA) 2026 program on 7 May 2026 through a series of environmental service activities and an international cultural performance. The closing marked the culmination of an inbound program that brought together students from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines in a comprehensive academic experience combining lectures, field practice, and cross-cultural exchange in tropical fisheries and aquaculture.
International Collaboration in Mangrove Conservation Action
The final day of activities began with a morning exercise session at the central courtyard of FPK UNAIR, attended by international participants, organizing committees, and members of the academic community. The energetic and spirited atmosphere fostered meaningful cross-border interaction before participants continued with field exploration and mangrove planting at the Mangrove Gununganyar coastal area in Surabaya. This activity served not only as a physical engagement but also as a contextual learning platform where environmental stewardship was directly connected to scientific knowledge in coastal and aquaculture systems.
A total of 30 international students and 20 members of the FPK UNAIR academic community actively participated in the coastal ecosystem rehabilitation effort. The presence of the Dean of FPK UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dewi Masithah, M.P., along with the faculty leadership, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to integrating academic learning with sustainability practices. Through hands-on planting and ecosystem observation, participants gained firsthand insight into the ecological functions of mangroves as coastal protectors, carbon sinks, and essential habitats for aquatic organisms. The activity reflected the program’s objective of translating classroom knowledge into tangible environmental action, strengthening participants’ scientific understanding while cultivating environmental responsibility.
Closing Ceremony and Academic Appreciation
Upon returning to campus, the program continued with a solemn Closing Ceremony that formally marked the end of TROFIA 2026. Certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their active engagement throughout the program. The certificates were presented directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dewi Masithah, M.P., symbolizing institutional appreciation and academic acknowledgment. In addition, speakers who had contributed to the international lectures and discussions received certificates, souvenirs, and commemorative plaques as expressions of gratitude for enriching participants’ academic perspectives.
The ceremony represented more than a formal conclusion; it symbolized the success of a cross-national academic collaboration that had developed throughout the program. Over the course of TROFIA 2026, participants engaged in interdisciplinary discussions, shared research insights, and explored innovations in tropical aquaculture. The structured combination of lectures, fieldwork, and collaborative dialogue reflected FPK UNAIR’s strategic role in advancing internationalization within higher education. The program demonstrated how academic mobility initiatives can foster professional networks, research partnerships, and intercultural competence among future fisheries and marine science professionals.
Cultural Performance: Harmony and Reflection of Togetherness
The Cultural Performance session provided a vibrant and meaningful finale to the program. Delegations from various universities presented cultural performances that reflected their national identities and rich traditions, transforming the closing event into a celebration of diversity and shared learning. The performances highlighted how academic collaboration can coexist with cultural appreciation, reinforcing mutual respect among participants from different backgrounds.
The sense of unity reached its peak when the entire TROFIA 2026 committee and the FPK UNAIR academic community performed the traditional Gemu Famire dance together. The energetic and dynamic movements invited all participants to join, creating an inclusive atmosphere where cultural differences merged into a single rhythm. Enthusiastic cheers and applause filled the venue, underscoring the solidarity and friendships formed during the program. A reflective moment followed when Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dewi Masithah, M.P., sang “Heal the World” before all participants. The song created an emotional and hopeful ambiance, encouraging reflection on the importance of global collaboration and the responsibility of younger generations to safeguard environmental sustainability. Many participants sang along, forming a heartfelt farewell moment that strengthened bonds before departure.
Participant feedback further emphasized the program’s impact. Mohamad Nor Azzimi bin Soheidein from Universiti Malaya expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with academics and students from diverse institutions. He noted that the program opened tangible avenues for collaborative research and innovation in tropical aquaculture. According to him, the combination of international lectures, intellectual exchange, and intercultural interaction made TROFIA 2026 both academically enriching and professionally expanding. Overall, TROFIA 2026 demonstrated meaningful contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) through mangrove rehabilitation and environmental awareness, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through coastal ecosystem education and conservation practices, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through sustained international academic collaboration. Through this impactful closing, FPK UNAIR reaffirmed its role as a higher education institution committed to global engagement, academic networking, and science-based sustainable development in fisheries and marine sciences.
Penulis : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
