Message from the Lecturer of FPIK IPB University: Highlighting the Coastal Potential of Lebak, Banten for Community Welfare
A lecturer at IPB University's Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK), Dudi Muhammad Wildan, SPi, MSi, conducted supervision for five groups of Thematic Community Service (KKN-T) in Lebak, Banten. The supervision was done by him with the aim of guiding and directing IPB University students who are currently participating in KKN-T to highlight the potential of Lebak’s coastal area.
"In community empowerment, it is extremely important to first identify its potential before creating programs. If the programs are seen as beneficial and advantageous for the community and are embraced by them, then our empowerment mission is deemed to be a success," said Dudi.
The supervision took place in five different villages in Lebak, Banten, which were the locations for the KKN-T program of IPB University's students. These villages include Muara Binuangeun, Situregen, Cihara, Sawarna, and East Sawarna. According to Dudi, due to their proximity to the coast, these five aforementioned villages need to maximize their potential in order to have an impact on the welfare of the surrounding communities.
"Lebak, Banten has its appeal as a coastal area that can be beneficial for both the fishing and tourism industry. However, based on the observations of IPB University students who are participating in the Innovative KKN-T program here, in reality, it is evident that there is still a lack of interest in the fishing industry," he stated.
According to him, there are a lot of contributing factors, ranging from unfavorable natural conditions to other difficulties in starting fishing businesses. Despite that, Dudi emphasizes that the coastal potential which has not yet been utilized properly can trigger various issues, such as uneven welfare distribution as well as environmental damage.
"This is where the role of IPB University students comes in, to unfold and make known of the fishing potential in Lebak, Banten. There have been several Innovative KKN-T programs carried out by the students with the aim of developing the coastal areas," explained Dudi further.
One of the work programs carried out by IPB University students is the construction of bamboo fish cages in Situregen. This serves as a practical and effective solution for fish cultivation, especially during harvesting periods. Moreover, IPB University students also provide assistance in operations, ranging from feeding to the actual harvesting process.
"In the village of Muara Binuangeun, Innovative KKN-T students have developed a work program for processing fish into nuggets as a form of fishery utilization. Additionally, IPB University students provide technical assistance and conduct cost analysis for the business," expressed Dudi. (Ihsan/Rz) (IAAS/ZRT)
