Jakarta – Rector of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University(UMRAH) Prof. Dr. Agung Dhamar Syakti, S.Pi DEA, together with the Rector of the University of Riau, Prof.Dr.Ir.H Aras Mulyadi DEA and his entourage held a gathering and discussed with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, at the Mina Bahari IV Building, Thursday (30 /9).
This gathering is a form of higher education support for the policies and breakthrough programs of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
The Rector of UMRAH who was accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries Science, Dr. Ir T Ersti Yulika Sari, along with the special staff of the Chancellor for Public Relations and Cooperation Dr. Suryadi, started the discussion with couplet of pantun and explained the potential of UMRAH and the plan to build the North Natuna Sea Research Center.
“UMRAH is committed to providing scientific contributions in supporting the breakthroughs of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, especially for the development of measurable fisheries management in WPP 711. UMRAH will also be a hub for providing data related to pollution, fisheries management and the North Natuna Sea,” concluded Agung in a discussion with Minister Sakti.
The construction of the North Natuna Sea Research Center is a form of UMRAH’s concern and support to make the North Natuna Sea sovereign, especially scientifically by Indonesia.
The Research Center, which has received support from the Natuna Regency Government through the provision of land and political support, is expected to become the frontline and forum for mainstreaming Indonesian interests in the North Natuna Sea.
Agung expects the KKP’s support in synchronizing and synergizing marine and fisheries activity programs.
In a warm and fluid discussion, Minister Sakti explained in detail the Breakthrough Program and KKKP Priorities for 2021-2024 in order to realize sustainable marine and fishery resources for the welfare of fishermen.
Minister Sakti explained the policy of Measured Capture Fisheries in each WPP, efforts to increase non-tax state revenues (PNBP) from capture fisheries natural resources and strategies to improve fishermen’s welfare.
“The Blue Economy Principle must be used as the basis for managing marine and fishery resources because it has three important aspects, namely resource efficiency, achieving a balance of economic and social values on resources, as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable resources,” Minister Sakti emphasized in the discussion.
Furthermore, Minister Sakti welcomed by providing full support for UMRAH to take an important part and make scientific contributions to the KKP Breakthrough Program and to improve the welfare of the fishing community in the Riau Archipelago.
With the policy of making the State Fisheries Management Area of the Republic of Indonesia (WPP-NRI) 711 a zone for the capture fisheries industry, it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on the fishing community in the WPP 711 area, especially in the Riau Archipelago. The role of universities is very much needed as partners in implementing these policies.
Agung emphasized the importance of always synergizing between policy makers, universities and the private sector.
The Kampus Merdeka Program, which is aimed at aligning universities with industry and policy makers, needs to be interpreted by strengthening cooperation between universities and ministry institutions and always implementing a “link and match” strategy.
The Kedaireka program initiated by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology can be a platform for strengthening the synergy between UMRAH and KKP.
At the end of the discussion, Agung handed over souvenirs from UMRAH and publications related to marine and fisheries, and officially invited the Minister of Sakti to visit the UMRAH campus in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands.
The Minister of Sakti responded positively to the invitation and promised to visit UMRAH and review the results of research related to the cultivation of sea cucumbers, barking and grouper.
Editor & Translator : Adi Pranadipa