Universitas Brawijaya (UB) once again demonstrated its role in the international scientific arena through the scientific presentation of the Vice Rector IV for Planning, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Prof. Andi Kurniawan, S.Pi., M.Eng., D.Sc., in the Online Webinar Marine Science Expert Series organized by the Indonesian Oceanology Scholars Association (ISOI) Komda Malang (9/12). With the theme “Challenges and Opportunities in Marine Resource Management”, this webinar managed to attract the attention of more than 145 participants consisting of researchers, lecturers, practitioners, students, and the community who care about the sustainability of the marine and fisheries sector.
The event began with remarks from the Chairperson of ISOI Komda Malang, Prof. Sukoso, M.Sc., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of a culture of scientific discussion to encourage the development of fisheries and marine affairs in Indonesia. This speech was continued by the Head of Central ISOI, Prof. Dr. Agung Dhamar Syakti, S.Pi., DEA., who officially opened the webinar while expressing his appreciation for the implementation of this activity.
In his presentation, Andi Kurniawan presented in-depth data on the importance of aquatic resources as a solution for future food, including the concept of “blue food” which is predicted to be able to meet the surge in world protein needs by up to 49% and national protein needs by up to 56%. He also explained the great potential of Indonesia’s marine sector, including megabiodiversity with more than 8,500 species of marine biota, a sustainable catch potential of 12.01 million tons per year, and aquaculture potential of more than 50 million tons.
However, major challenges such as climate change, marine environmental health, pressure from human economic activities, and fair access to resources are the main highlights that require collective solutions. Prof. Andi also touched on the concept of a blue economy that is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita mission towards the Golden Indonesia 2045.
The discussion became even more interesting when Andi explained ‘Quo Vadis ISO’ which is based on the concept of Society 5.0 from Mayumi Fukuyama, integrating technological advances to solve social problems. He also emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, innovation, and downstreaming in marine resource management.
The enthusiasm of the participants was proven by the various questions asked, such as the proposal to optimize the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lane (ALKI) presented by Rifka Hidayat, M.S.Pi., M.BA., to the idea of ​​strengthening marine technology based on preserve technology from Dr. Boimin and strategies for improving the quality of human resources raised by KKP staff, Hendra Nurcahyo, S.Pi., MP.
This webinar not only provides new insights, but also becomes a space for cross-sector collaboration in responding to challenges and optimizing opportunities for managing Indonesia’s marine resources. With the spirit of innovation and constructive discussion, this event is expected to become starting point for realizing a more sustainable and inclusive marine sector. [aziz/pon/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
