UGM The Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, conducted social service activities in Sidorejo Village XII, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta last Saturday (21/11).
This social service activity was a form of commemoration from the 56th Anniversary of UGM Fisheries and in commemoration of National Fish Day. This event collaborates with the UGM Embung Lovers Fisheries Community and the UGM Fisheries Science Student Family (KMIP).
“This community service activity conducted by the UGM Department of Fisheries is a form of an effort to apply for knowledge and community assistance. These efforts aim to maintain the Kalibayem Swamp ecosystem as well as to enhance people’s awareness of the importance of consuming fish during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Head of the UGM Fisheries Department, Dr. Ir. Murwantoko, M.Si.
Murwantoko said that this activity contained various activities. One of them was the dissemination of 20 kilograms of tawes and carp fish bulbs. Sowing fish seeds located in the Kalibayem Swamp reservoir is proposed to support the lake ecosystem’s balance. Besides the distribution of fish bulbs, the event’s committee installed advice boards were also installed regarding preserving the reservoir and fishery resources, educating children, and distributing processed fish products to residents around Rawa Kalibayem.
Murwantoko hoped that this distribution of fish products could make people remember and be aware of the importance of consuming fish products. This effort also aimed to boost the level of fish consumption in Yogyakarta.
“On that occasion, the community service participants also cleaned the embung (small lake) and also planted trees along there,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fathoni Aribowo, as the Head of Ngestiharjo Village, uttered his hope that through this activity, the UGM Department of Fisheries, Embung Lovers Community, and UGM KMIP would frequently play an active role in community empowerment, especially around Rawa Kalibayem. The community is expected to be able to take the benefits of these water areas as their economic source, but do not forget to always preserve it.
“Kalibayem Swamp contains a lot of histories regarding the Republic of Indonesia’s effort to fight invaders. This swamp currently develops to become one of the tourist destinations in Ngestiharjo Village,” he said.
Author: Ika
Translator: Natasa A