Introducing Aquaculture to the Community, This Is What IPB University Students Do

The Aquaculture Student Association (Himakua), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), IPB University is a student organization consisting of active students from the Department of Aquaculture (BDP) of FPIK IPB University.  An important mission carried out by Himakua is to contribute to the development of Indonesian aquaculture.

The student organization that was formed in 1989 has the aim to accommodate, channel, develop and realize student knowledge in the field of aquaculture science and profession.  This was realized by the many interesting activities held by Himakua each year.

The Chairperson of Himakua FPIK IPB University 2018/2019, Rafi Kemal stated that interesting activities carried out by Himakua during the 2018/2019 tenure included Aquafest (Aquaculture Festival), Aquabindes (Aquaculture Bina Desa), Bazoqa (Bazaar of Aquaculture), PKM Hatchery,  and WEFA (World of Exotic Fish and Aquascape).  All activities carried out are closely related to the professionalism of aquaculture.

“The activity is designed in such a way based on the three pillars that are carried by Himakua, which is for dedication, achievement improvement, and professionalism in aquaculture,” he stressed.

Aquafest is one of the major events that was managed by Himakua.  This event invites millennials to take part in the fisheries sector.  Support from various parties was obtained to hold this event.

Himakua also played a role in enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit of BDP students through Bazoqa and WEFA activities that present the ornamental fish market.  Ranging from turtles, ornamental plants, to aquacap needs.

Rafi Kemal claimed that having an active role in Himakua had many advantages.  That is because the members of Himakua have a place to get to know the field of aquaculture more broadly because many things are not obtained in lectures but are obtained when running Himakua activities.

“In Himakua we have learned about the types of aquaculture graduate work, know the problems directly in the field, establish relationships with aquaculture stakeholders.  In addition, being an administrator of Himakua can be a pride both when he is still a student and graduated later, “concluded Rafi Kemal.  (Dinul / Zul)

Keywords: Aquaculture, himakua, fish, IPB University, activities, students, profession, entrepreneurship