Being a university student is not only about mastering theories in the classroom but also about applying knowledge through hands-on experience. This is exactly what Atalie Safa Danella Laksita Khairah, a 2022 student of the Aquatic Resource Management Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is currently doing. Atalie is participating in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Internship Program at the Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN) Prigi, located in Trenggalek, East Java. The program began on February 10 and will run until June 2025. This internship provides Atalie with a valuable opportunity to deeply explore the world of capture fisheries, both from technical and social perspectives in the field.
Throughout the internship, Atalie has been actively involved in various port operations such as processing sailing administration documents, managing vessel provisioning, and recording fish catch data. She is also learning about the cold storage system and the management of land and buildings around the port. Through this experience, Atalie has gained an in-depth understanding of the importance of efficiency and coordination between work units to ensure smooth port operations. She has come to realize that beyond technical skills, building strong relationships among port staff, government agencies, fishers, and fisheries entrepreneurs is crucial—especially in situations requiring quick and dynamic coordination.
“Working in the fisheries sector isn’t just about data and techniques—it’s also essential to establish solid communication and good working relationships,” said Atalie.
The internship at PPN Prigi has provided valuable insights into the fisheries sector, and it is hoped that more students in the future will have similar opportunities. The program is expected to continue growing, offering students more chances to deepen their practical knowledge. The Department of Fisheries at UGM is expected to continue contributing to the development of the fisheries sector and the sustainability of marine ecosystems through multi-stakeholder collaboration—aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Fathurrahman Kafi
Editor: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi.