Marine and fisheries are the theme of the 55th anniversary of Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, held on Tuesday (18/9) in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM. The Committee provided nine fish meals for the participants to enjoy.
“Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM has the commitment to developing food and agroindustry, including fisheries products. The commitment is proved in this event and we will enjoy as much as 1.3 tonnes of seafood that are cooked by 30 leading chefs as an effort to popularise fish consumption,” said Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Eni Harmayani.
A variety of food is served during the event, including yellow soup, grilled filet, Balinese style fish, fish eggs, tom yam, steamed fish, catfish and vegetables, fried squid, and grilled fish. Over two thousand invitees from government agencies representatives, UGM academic community, and business partners attended the event.
Eni said it was necessary for society to consume healthy food. Fish needs to be consumed regularly as it contains high protein and other beneficial contents for the health.
“I hope this would be the initial step to the development of marine potential as nation’s source of prosperity in the future,” the Dean added.
The gastronomic delight event came after a general lecture themed Ocean, Future of the Nation, given by Head of Research and Human Resource of Marine and Fisheries Ministry, Syarief Widjaja, representing Minister Susi Pudjiastuti. He touched upon the efforts made by the Ministry in optimising marine and fisheries potential.
“President Joko Widodo when inaugurating Minister Susi a few years back said that the sea was the future of the nation. This is a simple wording, but it has a deep consideration because the sea has territorial dimensions and this is the territory that we have to secure,” he said.
Before the European colonisation, Indonesia had been respected by the world community as it had a strategic sea territory with good maritime force. Since the Dutch trade company, Indonesia’s focus had been shifted to the continent, and after the Independence, the Indonesian government paid more attention to land development.
“For a long time we were like in a deep sleep because our vast sea territory had not been managed to the utmost. But in the last few years, we tried to resolve the problems one by one; and when this is done consistently, the impact is huge,” said Syarief.
He further delivered a message from the popular Minister Susi Pudjiastuti to the young generation to maintain the Indonesia’s seas, especially against plastic waste, sustain the marine potential, and secure the sea sovereignty.
“In addition, let’s eat more fish to make us healthy, smart, and strong,” he concluded.
Along with the event, as many as 50 local SMMEs running in food industry came to enliven the festival. Most of them have been coached by Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM.