Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Yogyakarta Special Region Marine and Fisheries Agency, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), GAIN Indonesia, students, and the Tirtohargo Village Government in Kretek, Bantul, released 5,000 yellow rasbora (Rasbora lateristriata) fingerlings into the Baros River, Bantul Regency, on Monday, Sep. 15, 2025. The fish release was part of the Yellow Rasbora Restocking Workshop under the Food Dashboard System (FDS) program held at the Tirtohargo Village Hall.
The release was carried out by Hery Sulistio Hermawan, Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Marine and Fisheries Agency; Professor Bambang Retnoaji, lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Biology; and Ibnu Budiman, Environmental Manager of GAIN Indonesia.
Professor Retnoaji explained that fish populations in natural waters have been declining due to various factors, including habitat degradation, overfishing, and unsustainable fishing practices.
This condition directly affects the availability of fishery resources, threatening food and fisheries security.
One strategic measure to address the problem, he said, is restocking.
“This program aims to strengthen fish populations in the wild, prevent resource extinction, and promote sustainable utilization. However, for restocking to deliver long-term benefits, it must be integrated with conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and active community involvement,” he said.
In line with this, Professor Retnoaji emphasized that the yellow rasbora restocking activity was not merely about releasing fish but also about building collaborative momentum among stakeholders in developing adaptive and sustainable fisheries management strategies.
“Through this activity, we hope that government, academia, communities, and other stakeholders can synergize to safeguard the sustainability of resources,” he added.
Hery Sulistio Hermawan expressed his gratitude for the collaboration among various parties in efforts to restore and breed local fish species in natural waters. In addition to ensuring their sustainable availability, he noted that the restocking program could support food security and improve community livelihoods.
“The preservation of yellow rasbora is our shared responsibility, including that of local communities,” he said.
Ibnu Budiman of GAIN Indonesia also expressed support for preserving and cultivating local fish species in Indonesia.
According to him, these species are rich in nutrients and protein and can contribute significantly to improving food security.
Sigiyanto, Head of Tirtohargo Village, expressed his appreciation to UGM, the Yogyakarta Government, BRIN, GAIN, and the community for their commitment to the yellow rasbora breeding program in his village.
He hopes the effort will also contribute to tourism development in Tirtohargo.
“We hope that once the fish population grows, they can be harvested to support local culinary tourism,” he said.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian