Yogyakarta, 9 April 2025 — H.E. Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Indonesia, paid an official visit to the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This diplomatic visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education and research, particularly in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. The Ambassador was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Department of Fisheries, who presented the department’s history and achievements since its establishment in the 1963/1964 academic year and official formation in 1983. The department has made significant contributions to regional and national fisheries development.
Currently, the department offers three undergraduate programs: Aquaculture, Fisheries Resource Management, and Fish Processing Technology. Various flagship research projects are underway, including the development of superior tilapia strains, bacterial and viral vaccines for grouper fish, innovations in aquaculture feed and systems, and research on marine biodiversity, conservation, and fisheries socioeconomics.
During the visit, the Ambassador was accompanied by Joas Iradukunda, a Rwandan student at UGM, who presented his research with academic advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Indah Istiqomah. The study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with the prebiotic inulin and the probiotic Bacillus-Lactococcus on intestinal histology, gene expression, enzymatic activity, and growth performance of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). This reflects UGM’s commitment to environmentally friendly and efficient aquaculture technologies.
The visit included tours of several research facilities, such as the Aquaculture Laboratory, Ecology and Hydrobiology Laboratory, Socioeconomic and Resource Management Laboratory, and Genetics and Breeding Laboratory. These tours showcased ongoing research activities, student practical training, and innovation development within the department.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Harelimana expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and UGM’s dedication to supporting Rwandan students. He hopes for stronger partnerships between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Rwanda, especially in aquaculture and fisheries, through student exchange and joint research programs.
This visit contributes to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing access to inclusive higher education for students from developing countries; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture innovations; SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through marine conservation research; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening global academic collaborations. It is expected that this visit will serve as a starting point for broader cooperation between Indonesia and Rwanda in sustainable fisheries, education, and research.
Authors: Joas Iradukunda, Galuh Wulanuari
Editors: Prof. Dr. Ir. Alim Isnansetyo, M.Sc. & Dr. Mukti Aprian, S.Kel., M.Si. (Han)