IPB University Dosen Pulang Kampung Initiate Independent Village Formation in Pandeglang
IPB University Lecturer Team at the Department of Fisheries Resource Utilization (PSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) provided training for fishermen in Cikiruhwetan Village, Pandeglang Regency, Banten (7/8). This activity is an effort to initiate the formation of an Independent Fishermen Village in Cikiruhwetan Village through the Dosen Pulang Kampung (Dospulkam) program.
The training was held at TPI Cikeusik Building, Pandeglang Regency. This activity was attended by 30 participants consisting of fishermen, fishermen’s wives and officers of the Cikeusik Fish Landing Base (PPI). The team of lecturers involved were Dr Yopi Novita, Dr Wazir Mawardi, Dr Sugeng H Wisudo, Dr Budhi H Iskandar, Dr Vita R Kurniawati, and Dwi Putra Yuwandana, SPi, MSi.
The Chief of the IPB University Dospulkam team, Dr Yopi Novita said, this activity was in line with the strategic plan of the Banten Provincial Government which planned the realization of the Integrated South Banten Fishing Port, with the growth of economic activities of coastal communities, the increasing performance of marine and fisheries development and the arrangement of slum areas.
She elaborated that the training materials included the operation of environmentally sound fishing gear, fisheries business management, and risk mitigation efforts.
“The material on the operation of environmentally sound fishing gear is expected to increase the awareness of fishermen to want to use and operate fishing gear that does not damage fish resources and the environment, so that its availability remains sustainable,” said Dr Yopi.
Meanwhile, he continued, material on fisheries business management was given with the hope that fishermen would become centers of economic activity growth on the coast. Finally, the material on risk mitigation efforts was given in an effort to support occupational safety and health (K3), considering that the fishing grounds of fishermen in Cikiruhwetan Village are Indian Ocean waters.
Starting the event, the Village Secretary of Cikeruhwetan, Riki Repangga, SIP, said that fishermen’s awareness of the importance of safety in the work environment is still very minimal. Several accidents at sea (lakalaut) have resulted in fishermen drowning.
“During the incident, there were no life jackets available on the boat. Even though some time ago, the fishermen received life jacket assistance. However, the life jackets were not used properly,” he said.
Furthermore, the training was opened by the Chief of the Banten Province Marine and Fisheries Service Branch Office for the Southern Region, Imam Budiono, SE. In his opening remarks, he said that the fishermen of Cikiruhwetan Village must be able to improve their ability to conduct an effective and efficient fishing business.
Still according to Imam, the fishermen must also respond to disasters because the potential of marine and fisheries in Banten is very large. “Therefore, the existence of PPI Cikeusik can be utilized as optimally as possible,” he said.
At the end of the activity, the Dospulkam IPB University team handed over assistance in the form of personal rescue equipment (PPD) consisting of life jackets and life rings to PPI Cikeusik officers. The provision of PPE assistance is intended as an effort to mitigate the risk of lakalaut. (*/Rz) (IAAS/Ard)
