ULM Students Present Innovative Products and Featured Programs During Thematic Community Service Program in Tanah Bumbu

Tanah Bumbu – A total of 233 students from six study programs at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) successfully completed their Thematic Community Service Program (KKN-Tematik) in Tanah Bumbu Regency from July to August 2025.

The program, spread across 20 villages, officially concluded with a Thematic Community Service Program Closing Ceremony and Student Work Expo at the Tanah Bumbu Regent’s Hall on Thursday (August 21, 2025). The expo provided a platform for students to showcase their innovations and products from their work programs.

Innovative Products from Local Potential

Various ULM student products are born from utilizing local village potential. Examples include: In Binawara Village, students developed an albumin extract from snakehead fish with the innovation of adding spices to reduce the fishy odor. This product is believed to be beneficial for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and post-surgery recovery.

In Sepunggur Village, students are processing smoked milkfish and milkfish nuggets to increase the market value of the locals’ catch. The smoking process is carried out using simple equipment made from used drums, while the nuggets serve as an alternative way to promote fish consumption among children.

Meanwhile, students in Angsana Village initiated a bucket fish farming program (budikdamber) and mangrove planting with the theme “One Mangrove Tree Today, a Million Lives in the Future.” They also helped promote Angsana beach and mangrove tourism through social media.

From Pandamaran Jaya Village, an innovation emerged through the use of palm kernel meal waste as an alternative fish feed. This program was supported by digital marketing training for processed fishery products such as shredded milkfish, sticks, and nuggets, which were previously only sold around the village.

Another student group initiated tilapia cultivation using a biofloc system in Gunung Besar Village. This program resulted in six biofloc ponds ready for use from seeding until the fish are ready for harvest. This group also introduced marine life to elementary school-aged children and helped promote Gemarikan (a type of Indonesian food) to prevent stunting.

Another noteworthy innovation came from Sungai Lembu Village, where students successfully processed crab shell waste into calcium-rich flour. This flour is then used as a nutritional supplement in processed products such as nuggets, meatballs, and Pempek.

In addition, innovative products such as mangrove coffee from the KKN group in Pulau Burung Village were also presented, as well as squid attractors and fish drying houses from the KKN group in Juku Eja Village.

Appreciation from the Regional Government and Campus

The Regent of Tanah Bumbu, H. Andi Rudi Latif, S.H., M.H., officially closed the FPIK ULM Thematic KKN program and expressed his deep appreciation for the students’ contributions.

“On behalf of the regional government, I express my deepest gratitude to ULM, especially FPIK, for choosing Tanah Bumbu as the KKN location,” he said.

The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni of ULM, Dr. Muhamad Rusmin Nuryadin, S.E., M.Si., who attended the event, also emphasized that the Thematic KKN represents a breakthrough in university-local government collaboration.

“Not all faculties can implement thematic KKN like this. “We hope this activity doesn’t stop here,” he said.

Dr. Hj. Indira Fitriliyani, S.Pi., M.Si., PIC of the Impactful Community Service Program (KKN Berdampak) and Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (ULM), echoed this sentiment. She emphasized that the closure of the program does not mean the end of ULM’s contributions.

“We will regularly schedule meetings with village heads to ensure synergy is maintained and sustainable,” she said.

Students’ Real Contributions to the Community

Through this Thematic Community Service Program (KKN), ULM students not only educate the community but also present innovative products, appropriate technology, and digital marketing strategies that are expected to continue as real solutions at the village level.

With a spirit of collaboration between universities, local governments, and the community, the ULM FPIK Thematic Community Service Program in Tanah Bumbu demonstrates the university’s role in encouraging the development of local potential while supporting national programs such as stunting prevention, environmental management, and strengthening the village economy.