Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono encouraged academics to develop more research and technological innovation in the marine and fisheries sector.
Delivering remarks at the annual National Seminar on Fisheries and Marine Research Results (Semnaskan) run by the UGM Department of Fisheries, Minister Trenggono said the marine and fisheries sector was among several sectors capable of surviving and overcoming the 1998 monetary crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. It has great resource potential, and its sub-sectors, namely capture fisheries and aquaculture, are the mainstay of the economy. He hopes research, innovation, and technology will optimize the sector’s productivity and quality and help Indonesia recover.
“Research findings are an essential element within technological discovery and innovation. We seek academics’ contribution to advancing Indonesia’s marine and fisheries technology,” said Trenggono on Monday (26/7).
UGM Rector Professor Panut Mulyono added that the advancement of the marine and fisheries sector centered on technological advances, efficiency, and sustainability. He advised focusing the resources on maintaining the quality, diversity, and availability of food for current and future generations. According to him, the pandemic has led to the new normal and a global health crisis. Thus, the availability of nutritious food, including those of fishery products, is necessary to create a healthy community.
“Supported by Indonesia’s vast waters, the capture fisheries and aquaculture sector is expected to be the main driver of the national economy and contribute to the global food supply. The synergy between research and development is crucial to create sustainable marine and fisheries,” said Panut.
According to Head of the Committee Indah Istiqomah, the seminar consistently has a solid objective, being held for the 18th time. It aimed to gather academics and researchers in these fields to share experiences and findings and expand their network. The current event admitted 150 participants from across Indonesia and invited distinguished speakers, Professor Rohmin Dahuri from the Indonesian Aquaculture Society and Dr. Bambang Triyatmo, a fisheries expert and lecturer.
