On Monday, April 29, 2024, the Indonesia Aquaculture Business Forum (IABF) 2024 took place at the Raffles Jakarta Hotel. Organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), this event aimed to strengthen food security and accelerate economic growth in the marine and fisheries sector, particularly in the aquaculture subsector.

The IABF provided an intensive platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Promising informative and productive discussions, the forum focused on concrete efforts to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness within the aquaculture industry.

Stakeholders from various backgrounds were invited to participate in this forum, which served as a stage for the latest ideas and innovations in aquaculture development. By bringing together experts, industry practitioners, and other stakeholders, IABF 2024 aimed to foster closer collaboration and broaden insights into the potential and challenges within this sector.

During this significant moment at IABF 2024, a crucial discussion occurred between Prof. Dr. Ir. Maftuch, M.Si., the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Brawijaya (FFMS UB), and Yusmansyah, S.Pi, M.Sc., a representative from KKP. The discussion covered various strategic issues related to Indonesia’s marine and fisheries development. Prof. Maftuch contributed academic insights and research experience, while Yusmansyah, S.Pi, M.Sc., provided practical perspectives from a policy and program implementation standpoint. These complementary perspectives were invaluable in exploring complex strategic issues in Indonesia’s marine and fisheries development. The discussion is believed to have deepened understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced in advancing the marine and fisheries sector, leading to the formulation of strategies for sustainable and highly competitive development. The presence of Dean FFMS UB and Yusmansyah, S.Pi, M.Sc., at this event reflects the importance of collaboration between academics and practitioners in shaping effective policies and programs for Indonesia’s fisheries sector.

Prof. Maftuch at Indonesia Aquaculture Business Forum (IABF) 2024
Prof. Maftuch at Indonesia Aquaculture Business Forum (IABF) 2024

Rifka Hidayat, a leader at PT. Samodera Konsultan Indonesia, also participated in the IABF 2024. Rifka brought rich experience in the development of Indonesia’s fisheries sector, particularly in the eastern region, which holds significant untapped potential. The discussions during the event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives on various fisheries development agendas in that region, including identifying potential, challenges, and actionable solutions.

The meeting between Prof. Maftuch and Rifka Hidayat was a golden opportunity to discuss the potential and development agenda for fisheries in Indonesia’s eastern region. Additionally, it opened the door to discussions about the role of FFMS UB students in the industry through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. FFMS UB students have the chance to contribute to the fisheries industry through various development programs, including research, innovation, and practical field training.

This meeting was not only a moment to gain fresh insights into the potential and challenges of fisheries development in Indonesia’s eastern region but also inspired FFMS UB students to actively participate in enhancing Indonesia’s fisheries industry sustainably. The collaboration between PT. Samodera Konsultan Indonesia and FFMS UB students is expected to make a positive contribution to the fisheries sector’s development in Indonesia.

Prof. Maftuch also followed up on a dialogue with Firman Hidayat, Ph.D., the Head of the Deputy for Maritime Resources at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves). This dialogue continued from a previous meeting held in Mandalika, NTB, where they discussed seaweed research development and downstream processing. During that occasion, Firman Hidayat specifically requested Prof. Maftuch’s involvement as a moderator for the International Conference of Seaweed, scheduled to take place in Bali on May 22, 2024. This request acknowledges Prof. Maftuch’s expertise and contributions to seaweed research development in Indonesia. Prof. Maftuch’s participation as a moderator in this international conference will not only provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences but also expand networks and collaborations with experts and practitioners in the field of seaweed from various countries. Prof. Maftuch’s active engagement in the event serves as a strong encouragement to continue driving research development and downstream products related to seaweed in Indonesia. It represents a concrete step toward realizing the vision of sustainable and innovative development in the marine and fisheries sector.

In summary, this brief meeting is not only a crucial moment for strengthening collaboration between academia and the government in seaweed research development but also a significant step toward achieving better marine and fisheries development goals in Indonesia. [ALF]

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