Indonesia, as a maritime nation, boasts immense fisheries potential. It has 6.4 million square kilometers of territorial waters, a coastline stretching 108,000 kilometers, and 17,504 islands.
The fisheries sector contributed $27 billion to GDP in 2019, created 7 million jobs, and provided over 50% of the country’s animal protein needs.
According to Dr. Jaka Widada, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), Indonesia’s vast potential necessitates skilled human resources to manage the fisheries sector effectively and sustainably.
“We need fisheries graduates ready to advance Indonesia’s fisheries sector,” said Dr. Jaka Widada during the regional conference and inauguration of the Yogyakarta Regional Board (DPD) of the Indonesian Fisheries Graduates Association (ISPIKANI) at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, on Sunday (Dec. 22).
Dean Widada emphasized that ISPIKANI, established on May 12, 1984, is a professional organization in the fisheries field. It serves as a forum for fisheries graduates to contribute ideas for advancing fisheries development in Indonesia and to mobilize fisheries graduates to drive fisheries development.
He hoped ISPIKANI would serve as a solution-oriented organization that prioritizes professionalism, working alongside the government and other fisheries stakeholders to advance the sector.
“Synergy is crucial. It is no longer feasible to take a reductionist approach; synergy among various fisheries professions is essential,” the dean stated.
One hundred fisheries graduates from the Yogyakarta Special Region attended the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. Participants represented diverse professions: educators, researchers, bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, and fisheries observers.
Sulhan Anwar, the initiator of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, said the conference was an opportunity to strengthen the vision and mission of fisheries graduates. He hoped ISPIKANI would become a home for fisheries graduates to contribute to society.
“I strongly encourage all members to continue synergizing and supporting ISPIKANI’s work programs,” he added.
Dr. Agus Suherman, the Chair of DPD ISPIKANI, welcomed the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. He highlighted that today’s challenges are not about military conflicts but food security.
He urged DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta to initiate breakthroughs and implement programs that collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve food sovereignty in Indonesia.
“In 2025, we plan to hold a National Coordination Meeting (RAKORNAS) to devise faster and more precise strategies to address fisheries sector issues,” he explained.
Dr. Suherman added that the establishment of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta completes the DPD ISPIKANI network across Java Island. With the formation of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, the organization now has 31 regional boards nationwide.
The forum appointed Professor Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Fisheries Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, as chair for the Yogyakarta chapter for the 2024-2028 term.
Professor Alim Isnansetyo affirmed his commitment to implementing programs for institutional development and introducing ISPIKANI to fisheries graduates.
“We need to enhance the fisheries industry’s contribution to increase interest among new students. Especially with issues in the fisheries sector in Yogyakarta aligning with the region’s vision of among tani dagang layar, where the government aims to position the sea as a front yard,” he stated.
He further explained that ISPIKANI could collaborate with the government to enhance maritime potential and improve community welfare.
“Empowering and tapping into this potential could significantly enhance people’s livelihoods,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho