Himafarin IPB University Empowers the People of Gili Raja Madura
Students as agents of change have an important role to bring change to every sector of life especially when in society. The Student Association for the Utilization of Fisheries Resources (Himafarin) IPB University conducted community service with the headline ‘Expedition of Fishermen’s Friends’ on Gili Raja Island, Madura on August 1-10, 2019. This activity was a proof that students were agents of change.
“The Expedition of Fishermen’s Friends or EFF program is an initiation program that aims to increase maritime insight and awaken maritime culture for the younger generation, especially IPB University students to contribute to national development, giving attention and concern especially to remote coastal areas in Indonesia. , “Said the Chairman of the EFF, Rofiq Ardhi Iswahyudi.
This EFF is carried out on Gili Raja Island, which is categorized as a disadvantaged area. The choice of location is because this area can be categorized as an area that has not been touched by infrastructure from the government. “The reason for choosing this area is because Gili Raja Island is categorized as a disadvantaged region. The livelihoods of residents there are mostly as fishermen. Some residents also own gardens and livestock. In terms of aspects such as infrastructure, the Community and Village Empowerment Agency (DPMD) has begun construction since 2014 on electricity poles and ensured that electricity on Gili Raja Island is on in 2018. But when the 2019 EFF team was at the location, residents still relied on solar cells (solar) cell) and a personal diesel engine for electricity needs, “said Rofiq.
The condition of infrastructure which is not yet fully adequate does not dampen Himafarin’s intention to continue serving the community. The service program that is carried out is in the field of education to reduce illiteracy, economic empowerment, and environmental preservation to foster public awareness about coastal ecosystems. “This dedication activity is manifested in several work programs covering aspects of education, economic aspects, social aspects and environmental aspects. In the aspect of education, the team shared knowledge in the world of fisheries and reduced Indonesian Language illiteracy which was carried out at SDN 01 Jate Village and the Pondok Pesantren As-Sa’adah Foundation. On the economic aspect, the team provided awareness on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the manufacture of fishery food products in the form of Fish Nuggets to increase high sales value. In addition we also invite the community in terms of the environment to protect coastal ecosystems, “said Rofiq. Not only carrying the program scheduled, but this program also introduces fishing equipment from the Department of Fisheries Resources Utilization (PSP) IPB University.
“We also introduce fishing gear for the people of Jate Village so that later they can help fishing activities in the future. The equipment we carry is bubu with crab and lobster targets, “he said. (Ath / ris)
