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| A PKM-PM team from the aquaculture department at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) helps prisoners to cultivate catfish based on the recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). (Photo: Istimewa) |
Some people still negatively label prisoners in correctional institutions. That stigma is still in mind although the prisoners have been released, making it difficult for them to get a job and survive.
It, eventually, motivated a group of PKM-PM students from the aquaculture department at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). They assist prisoners in the Malang’s first class by teaching them to cultivate catfish, which can be an alternative job when they finish their sentence. The team consists of Putri Ramadhani, Phobie Yolasica Irawan, Fathimatuz Zahroh, Moh. Ilham Wahyudi, and Maulana Zaky Ghifari.
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One of the group members, Putri, says that the program aims to equip prisoners with catfish cultivation using the recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) and natural food farming. Expectedly, this activity can help the prisoners’ economy in the future.
“This program has run since last June and will end by September. In addition to support the economy in the correctional institution, this program is expected to teach new skills and provision for the prisoners to make a business when they are free later,” said Putri.
Catfish cultivation was chosen because catfish is a type of consumption fish with high cultivation potential and a relatively good protein of 19.09%. Additionally, catfish are simple to cultivate and find in markets.
“The main determining factor for the success of fish farming is food. Thus, in this program, we also conduct training to provide natural food: water fleas (Daphnia sp.) and silkworms (Tubifex sp.), which have high nutritional value. With all those things, the expenditure can also be minimized,” said Putri.
Besides, they use the Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS), whose advantage is to utilize the water circulation system of the pond. In other words, it reuses water for aquatic habitat cultivation, thereby reducing water use outside the system.
“Alhamdulillah, our program is also funded by the government. We also provide books about fish cultivation, so they (the prisoners) can continuously learn,” asserted Putri.
Meanwhile, prison officers and the residents themselves appreciate and are eager to participate in a series of activities. They consider this program helpful in enhancing their skills and being an alternative job when being released. Thus, the prisoners do not depend on other jobs. (imh/zak/wil)
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