SDG 4: Quality Education

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Meet Dr. Susana Endah Ratnawati – Researcher in Seafood Safety and Fish By-Product Innovation

News Friday, 16 May 2025

Dr. Susana Endah Ratnawati, S.Pi., M.Si. is a lecturer at the Fisheries Product Technology Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture at Gadjah Mada University. She specializes in Fisheries Product Processing and Quality Monitoring. Dr. Susana earned her bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Product Technology from Diponegoro University, then continued her master’s studies in Coastal Resource Management at the same institution. She obtained her doctoral degree in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium. With this strong academic background, Dr. Ratnawati actively contributes to the development of fisheries science and technology.

Dr. Susana Endah Ratnawati conducts cutting-edge research focused on enhancing the quality and safety of fishery products through innovative technological solutions. Her work spans three key areas: (1) investigating quality degradation mechanisms in shrimp during storage while developing advanced packaging systems for fresh and live products; (2) pioneering the valorization of catfish bone waste into functional nano-calcium for nutritional applications; and (3) establishing microbiological safety protocols for seafood processing. With publications in prestigious international journals such as Food Microbiology (Q1, IF:5.3) and LWT-Food Science and Technology (Q1, IF:6.0), Dr. Ratnawati demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable food science through evidence-based quality improvement methods, circular economy approaches to fisheries by-products, and science-driven food safety solutions. Her research bridges fundamental science with practical applications to support Indonesia’s growing fisheries industry.

For Dr. Susana Endah Ratnawati, academia is more than a profession—it’s a calling inspired by her mother, also an educator. She finds her greatest joy in mentoring students brimming with ideas and ambition, a dynamic that fuels her own dedication to knowledge-sharing and research. As a mother, she strives to model this same path of purpose for her children. Dr. Ratnawati encourages students to: voice their ideas courageously, pursue bold visions, and maintain balance between academic rigor and personal well-being. Her teaching and research align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), reflecting her commitment to nurturing both minds and marine ecosystems for future generations.

Author: Annisa Yustisia

Editor: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi., Dr. Mukti Aprian, S.Kel., M.Si. (Han)

Evaluation of the MBKM Internship Program in Aquatic Resources Management Receives Positive Response from Partners

News Friday, 9 May 2025

The Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an evaluation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Internship Program on April 29, 2025. This evaluation was carried out through on-site visits by academic supervisors to various MBKM partner institutions to observe internship implementation and gather feedback from stakeholders. The MBKM internship program aims to enhance students’ competencies by offering hands-on learning experiences in real-world work environments. Students were placed at various partner locations, including Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara (PPN) Rembang, PPN Brondong, Pelabuhan Perikanan Pantai (PPP) Mayangan, and PPP Tamperan.

During the visits, internship supervisors received positive feedback from host partners. At PPN Rembang, for instance, MBKM students were seen as highly supportive of port operations, assisting in both technical and administrative tasks that improved operational efficiency. Similarly, PPN Brondong reported favorable outcomes and proposed increasing the number of MBKM interns from six to ten for the next period. Partners from both ports expressed interest in establishing long-term collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, and recommended implementing a regular online communication platform such as Zoom meetings to facilitate ongoing evaluation and coordination between the university and internship sites.

The Department of Fisheries reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with partners and improving protection measures for interns. Planned initiatives include drafting Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), regular coordination on ethics and safety protocols, student preparedness training, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for reporting and supporting cases of violence or misconduct. These efforts aim to ensure that the MBKM program not only enhances students’ technical skills but also provides a safe and supportive learning environment.

One of the most remarkable testimonials came from the Head of Cilacap Oceanic Fishing Port, who praised UGM students for their exceptional diligence during the internship. The evaluation results indicate that the MBKM program has a positive impact on both students and partner institutions, and it is expected to become more effective in the future. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Author: Fathurrahman Kafi

Editors: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi.

Evaluation and Monitoring of the MBKM Program in Fishery Products Technology at UGM with Various Industry Partners

News Wednesday, 30 April 2025

The Fish Processing Technology Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activity for the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program on April 20–22, 2025. This activity involved visits to several industry partners, including PT. Insan Citra Prima Sejahtera (Tuban), PT. Pan Putra Samudra (Cirebon), CV. Bee Jay Seafood (Probolinggo), PT. Algaepark Indonesia Mandiri (Klaten), PT. Alga Bioteknologi Indonesia (Semarang), PT. Sarana Tani Pratama (Jembrana), PT. Blue Star Anugrah (Pemalang), PT. Istana Cipta Sembada (Banyuwangi), PT. Blue Ocean Food Indonesia (Banyuwangi), PT. Bahari Biru Nusantara (Lamongan), and the Fish Quarantine and Quality Control Station (Yogyakarta).

During the M&E visits, a team of faculty supervisors—Prof. Dr. Ir. Amir Husni, Dr. Latif Sahubawa, and Mgs. Muhammad Prima Putra, S.Pi., M.Sc, Ph.D.—met directly with students and on-site mentors at the internship locations. The visits involved in-depth discussions about the implementation of the MBKM program, including reporting progress, providing practical guidance, and evaluating the development of each student’s mini-project.

At PT. Bee Jay Seafood Probolinggo, students were encouraged to innovate by developing ready-to-eat products. Meanwhile, PT. Bahari Biru Nusantara Lamongan demonstrated full commitment to supporting internship evaluations. At PT. Insan Citra Prima Sejahtera Tuban, students were guided to create new products from fish processing waste—such as fish sauce—as part of their innovative projects.

This Monitoring and Evaluation activity is expected to enhance the quality of MBKM program implementation within the Department of Fisheries at UGM, while also strengthening collaborations with the industrial sector. Through consistent mentoring and supervision, students are expected to gain more profound, hands-on experience in industries relevant to their academic field. Additionally, this initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically: SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, focusing on empowering students to enter the workforce and encouraging sustainable innovation in the marine and fisheries sectors.

Author: Fathurrahman Kafi

Editor: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi.

Exploring the World of Fisheries: Atalie Safa’s Internship Experience at PPN Prigi Through MBKM

News Wednesday, 30 April 2025

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.

UGM Fisheries Students Learn Ornamental Fish Aquaculture Through MBKM Program at Swasti Farm

News Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program organized by the Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), provides students with the opportunity to be directly involved in the fisheries industry. One of the program’s implementations is an internship activity at Swasti Farm, which focuses on ornamental fish aquaculture, specifically guppy fish. This internship offers students practical experience not only limited to theoretical learning but also technical skills through fieldwork. The program is supervised by Dr. Senny Helmiati, S.Pi., M.Sc., who acts as the field academic advisor to ensure the learning process proceeds effectively. During the internship, students are involved in various operational aspects at Swasti Farm, ranging from larval care of guppy fish to sales processes, as well as supporting marketing and packaging activities.

According to Alya Putri Mezzaluna, one of the students participating in this internship program, the experience gained is highly relevant to the courses previously studied on campus, such as Basic Genetics, Basic Aquaculture, and Hatchery Technology. At Swasti Farm, students are given the opportunity to perform guppy fish selection and crossbreeding, with the aim of improving genetics or enhancing fish phenotypes. Other courses converted during this internship include Hatchery Management, Ornamental Fish Cultivation, and Aquaculture Product Marketing. This field experience provides a more applicable and comprehensive understanding, enabling students not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to become directly involved in solving real-world problems in the fisheries industry.

Luna also expressed positive impressions of the internship at Swasti Farm. She appreciated the supportive working environment with friendly colleagues, which made the internship run smoothly and enthusiastically. Luna hopes that the MBKM program will continue and be further developed, as it is highly beneficial for students to experience the real dynamics of the professional world, especially in aquaculture, which has a high degree of technical and operational complexity. She also hopes that the MBKM program will receive greater support from various stakeholders so that students can continue to broaden their insights, build networks, and gain valuable experiences beyond the formal academic setting. This program aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Life Below Water (SDG 14), which support the advancement of the national aquaculture sector.

Author: Fathurrahman Kafi
Editor: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi.

Ambassador of Rwanda Strengthens Academic and Research Ties through Visit to UGM Department of Fisheries

News Wednesday, 9 April 2025

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)