Faculty of Fisheries ULM Encourages Innovation, Mangrove Management, and International Collaboration
Banjarmasin, January 2025 – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), under the leadership of Dr. Ir. H. Untung Bijaksana, MP., continues to encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, natural resource management, and academic innovation to strengthen the fisheries sector.
During an interview with the ranks of the Vice Deans of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Dr. Untung conveyed his commitment to advancing the fisheries sector with various breakthroughs.
“Lambung Mangkurat University has established good cooperation with various elements, ranging from local governments, regional police, to the industrial and private sectors in various development programs,” he said.
FPIK ULM also benefits from being able to realize these ideals, considering that the Rector of ULM Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad, S.E., M.Sc., is the Chairperson of the Consortium of Universities throughout Eastern Indonesia and the Chairperson of the Consortium of Borneo Universities (KUUB). With this position, ULM can network wider.
Dr. Untung also said that now ULM is also managing 611 hectares of mangrove area in Tamiang Bay, Kotabaru, which was assigned by the Ministry. This area is designed as a center for coastal community development through milkfish and shell crab (without shell) enlargement programs, which are expected to support the local economy.
Recently, in Sungai Riam, Pelaihari, ULM through cooperation with the South Kalimantan Regional Police, BINDA South Kalimantan, and PT AGM collaborated in a cattle farming program to realize food security in the livestock sector. A total of 200 cattle will be the beginning of the sustainability program in the area.
According to Dr. Untung, cross-sectoral collaboration is needed to face major challenges.
“We must eliminate tribal barriers and unite to build a stronger nation. South Kalimantan is known as the ‘king of eating fish,’ so the fisheries sector must continue to develop,” he said.
ULM is currently preparing to open five study programs outside the main campus, including in Kotabaru, to bring education services closer to coastal communities. The Dean of FPIK is also committed to encouraging international accreditation of study programs, in line with increasing research collaboration that has a broad impact.
As one concrete step, as many as 250 students will be sent to participate in the thematic KKN program in Tanah Bumbu, aimed at fostering fostered villages and providing a positive impact on the community.
“We want to become a center of excellence in the fields of aquaculture, fishery product technology, and marine socio-economics. With the support of various parties, we are optimistic that we can bring great progress to the fisheries sector,” concluded Dr. Untung.
Through collaboration, academic innovation, and sustainable management of natural resources, the ULM Faculty of Fisheries hopes to strengthen national competitiveness, provide real benefits to local communities, and create a young generation that is ready to face global challenges.
