On November 12, 2024, a team from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FFMS) at Universitas Airlangga, led by Mr. Agus Sutiyono, S.Sos., M.M., conducted a coordination visit to the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. This visit aimed to explore potential cooperation in providing internship opportunities (Praktik Kerja Lapangan/PKL) for FFMS students, specifically for the Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Technology study programs.
The FFMS team was warmly welcomed by the Head of the DKP, Mr. M. Johan Wijayanto, S.Si., M.Si., along with Mr. Purnomo Sumardamto, S.Hut., M.A., M.Eng, the Head of the Aquaculture Division, and Mr. Wahid Supriyadi, S.H., M.Si., the Head of the Capture Fisheries Division. For two hours, both parties discussed the potential for collaboration in education, field practices, and student empowerment, focusing on involving FFMS students in various marine and fisheries activities in the Gunung Kidul region.
The Gunung Kidul Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is a government agency responsible for managing various marine and fisheries activities in the region. DKP Gunung Kidul holds significant authority in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the fisheries sector, including small-scale fishermen, aquaculture businesses, and fish processing and marketing efforts. Additionally, the DKP manages Fish Auction Facilities (TPI) and Fish Hatchery Centers (BBI) while implementing operational standards in fisheries management across the region.
Discussions between FFMS UNAIR and DKP Gunung Kidul focused on the DKP’s readiness to provide facilities, guidance, and learning opportunities for students participating in PKL. During the meeting, the Head of the DKP expressed their readiness to welcome FFMS UNAIR students, particularly from the Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Technology study programs. Students who join PKL at DKP Gunung Kidul will have the opportunity to learn directly through fieldwork activities, including aquaculture management, fishing systems, and various aspects of fish processing according to DKP standards.
This collaboration enables FFMS UNAIR students to gain hands-on experience in fisheries practices under the guidance of DKP Gunung Kidul. The program also allows students to develop skills suited to the fisheries industry, enhancing their analytical abilities and applying theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Through this partnership, DKP hopes to support the development of FFMS UNAIR graduates who are more prepared and responsive to the dynamic challenges of the fisheries industry.
This partnership is expected to benefit both parties. For students, the PKL experience will serve as a vital foundation for entering the challenging job market, while for DKP Gunung Kidul, the program can support the development of quality local human resources. This initial step is expected to foster an ongoing collaboration between FFMS UNAIR and DKP Gunung Kidul in advancing the fisheries sector in the future.
