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| Rindya Fery Indrawan, S.Pi., MP a lecturer in aquaculture study (Photo: Special) |
As a maritime country, Indonesia's potential in the aquaculture sector grows rapidly. Unfortunately, in the era of global disruption, the youth's interest in the aquaculture industry remains low. According to a lecturer in aquaculture at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Rindya Fery Indrawan, S.Pi., MP, this could have a serious impact on the lives and food sustainability of local communities.
"Actually, the potential of aquaculture is extraordinary. Considering that Indonesia has various types of fisheries, such as freshwater, coastal, and marine. However, if it is not utilized optimally, this industry might be taken over by youth from abroad. It could lead to skyrocketing fish prices in the market," said Indra.
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On the other hand, the nutritional value of fish, such as protein and omega 3, is highly important for children's growth and development. Therefore, avoiding the seafood industry could lead to the rise of stunting in Indonesia. Therefore, Indra emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma among the youth regarding the unattractiveness of the aquaculture sector. It can be solved by introducing the supporting technology. Moreover, there are currently various start-ups in the aquaculture sector that are growing.
"As in UMM, we have developed innovations such as auto feeders, marketplace applications, fish egg counters, and various other technologies. Hopefully, this can open up new opportunities for the youth to engage actively," he said.
Furthermore, Indra also highlighted the need to provide scholarships for school and college students in the aquaculture sector. Furthermore, the cooperation between the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, schools, and universities needs to be improved through fisheries business incubation programs for school alumni and graduates in fisheries.
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The government should provide more support to the youth. Such as low-interest business loans, loans for unproductive land, and access to the utilization of the fisheries sector from upstream to downstream.
"Indonesian youth should be aware of the importance of food because Indonesia's food resilience is in the hands of today's youth. If you want to be smart, eat fish; if you want to be happy, raise fish; if you want to be rich, sell fish," he concluded. (*lai/wil/put)
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