Himakua IPB University Successfully Holds Aquafest 2024, the Biggest Aquaculture Event

The Aquaculture Student Association (Himakua) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) IPB University successfully held Aquaculture Festival (Aquafest) 2024. The series of Aquafest activities began with the ‘Road to Aquafest’ which was held in May 2024. Furthermore, the ‘Main Event’ was held not long ago.

Various activities were also held to enliven the ‘Main Event’ of Aquafest 2024. These activities include Seminars, Talkshows, National Discus Championship, Coloring and Crafting Competition, and Aquafest Concert titled ‘Under The Sea’.

The seminar session discussed actual themes in academia and industry. Dr Agus Oman Sudrajat, Vice Dean of FPIK IPB University for Academic and Student Affairs discussed the material ‘Competence gap between industry needs and college students’.

Followed by representatives from the industry, namely Rahasia Rommel Siregar ST (PT Grobest Indomakmur) who discussed ‘Industry opportunities and skill development for future career in aquaculture’. Then Paulina Dessy Wulandari (PT Suri Tani Pemuka Japfa Aquaculture) discussed ‘Emerging industry trends, challenges, and future projections’.

Collaboration between campus, community, government, and industry to develop the aquaculture sector is needed. Aquafest 2024 is one of the platforms for this collaboration.

Ir Nono Hartanto, Director of Seaweed at the Directorate General of Aquaculture (DJPB) of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) also attended the event. “This is an activity that can increase capability and capacity to prepare ourselves to enter the world of Aquaculture,” he said.

The event became more interesting with a Talkshow session that discussed ornamental fish care. Then, the National Discus Championship which was attended by a total of 92 people, and the Coloring and Crafting Competition which was attended by 69 children from various schools. A lively concert titled ‘Under The Sea’ closed the series of Aquafest 2024 activities. (*/Nr) (IAAS/NAU)