The Aquatic Resource Management (MSA) Program of the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), conducted a community service activity.
This community service was held in Jaban Hamlet, Sleman Regency, on Sunday (Nov. 24). It included a river clean-up, fish and shrimp fry release, and the installation of recommendation/prohibition signs along the Boyong River.
Dr. Eko Setyobudi, the Community Service Coordinator, stated that the service activity aimed to preserve the aquatic ecosystem.
By maintaining and conserving the river, public awareness will grow while actively contributing to environmental preservation, especially river ecosystems.
“This activity is a form of regular community service conducted by the MSA Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving rivers for life,” he said.
This event involved over 75 participants, including MSA lecturers, undergraduate and graduate students, and community representatives. It collaborated with the Boyong and Buntung River Environmental Activists Group (KPLS) from Sinduharjo Village. Coincidentally, the service activity coincided with the Merti Kali event.
“It’s timely, as Merti Kali is the community’s way of expressing gratitude to the river, which is a vital part of their lives,” explained Dr. Setyobudi.
Professor Djumanto, Head of the MSA Program, welcomed the service activity. Given current environmental changes, he believes efforts to preserve aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, are essential.
He noted that a healthy ecosystem provides better ecological services and can support the lives of the surrounding community.
He also mentioned that the water quality in the Boyong River remains clean, even during the dry season. This condition is certainly good news for the sustainability of aquatic life and efforts to improve community welfare through fishery resource management.
“We all hope that fish fry release and river clean-up activities will positively impact both the environment and the community. With programs like this, we hope to increase public awareness of the importance of keeping rivers clean and maintaining the sustainability of fishery resources,” he explained.
In addition to the river clean-up, the MSA Program regularly conducts fish fry releases in several locations. The fish fry released primarily consists of non-invasive endemic species, including 8,000 nilem fish fry and 1,250 giant freshwater prawn fry.
This effort aims to enhance biodiversity while supporting sustainable development goals related to aquatic ecosystems.
Sumadi, the Head of KPLS, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved. He hopes similar service activities will continue in future programs.
He also hopes that information about the river clean-up and fish fry release activities will spread widely.
“The Boyong River is one of the important rivers in Sleman Regency, and it has an abundant water supply, even during the dry season. We are also grateful that this coincides with the Boyong Edufest, which includes a poster exhibition from the activities of UGM’s International Relations Department students,” said Sumadi.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photos: MSA Program
Post-editor: Afif