IPB University Students Participate in PKKM Internship at PPN Palabuhanratu

IPB University students took part in internships and field data collection in six locations in Indonesia. This activity is part of the Independent Campus Competition Program (PKKM) held by the Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) IPB University.

One of the groups had the opportunity to take part in an internship at the Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN) Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. PPN Palabuhanratu itself focuses on catching and landing centers for fish, especially tuna and skipjack.

Dr Adriani as Chair of the PKKM ITK IPB University Task Force hopes that through this activity students will be able to gain the experience needed in the business world of industry (DUDI). This is so that students have reliable competencies and are ready to face challenges in the world of work.

“I hope that with this activity IPB University will become a leading force in providing internet-based marine meteorological data so that meteorological data and marine data can be obtained in Indonesia,” she explained.

Apart from taking part in internships, students also carry out repairs on the automatic weather station (AWS) installed at the IPB University Marine Field Station. This device is used to record and transfer MetOcean data or coastal and marine weather parameters in real-time so that it can be accessed via the website.

Apart from that, they also chatted with members of the Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI) regarding the social and economic aspects of the people of Palabuhanratu and its surroundings who chose the fishing profession. Finally, they also paid a short visit to the Water and Air Police (Polairud) in Palabuhanratu.

One of the 7th semester students from Bangka Belitung University, Azfari Mahindra, a PKKM participant in Palabuhanratu said the reason he chose the location in Palabuhanratu was to gain knowledge and experience in integrated fishing activities as well as carry out experiments on his thesis research tools.

“We had the opportunity to see how fish were caught in the charts in the sea and the landing of various types of fish in Palabuhanratu,” said Azfari when telling about his excitement while in Palabuhanratu.

Students also have the opportunity to help officers in carrying out their duties such as visiting several schools, recording measured fish and others. Even though it was hampered by erratic rainy weather, student activities at the pond continued. Students also don’t forget to check the AWS devices that have been installed on site periodically. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RZL)