Get to Know the IKN Study Program Closer, One of the Applied Undergraduate Programs at the Vocational School of IPB University

The need for food for human life continues to increase. One source of animal food is aquaculture products. Therefore, the Undergraduate Study Program (Prodi) of Applied Fish Hatchery Technology and Management (IKN) is here to support the success of national and world aquaculture (aquaculture) by producing competent alumni.

The IKN Study Program is one of 17 study programs managed by the Vocational School of IPB University for the Applied Undergraduate Education Program level (D4 Program). The IKN Study Program has also been accredited 'Excellent' by the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN PT).

"Graduates who are tough, skilled and adaptive can support the success of national fisheries production. It is hoped that aquaculture products can support the need for animal protein, both in Indonesia and the world," said Dr Wiyoto, Chairman of the IPB University Vocational School IKN Study Program.

Dr Wiyoto added, in addition to the ability and skills to produce fish for consumption, graduates are also given the ability to produce ornamental fish for local and export needs. This capability is supported and followed by knowledge of sustainable aquaculture technology and in accordance with current technological developments.

"Graduates from an applied bachelor's degree have the opportunity to have a job position as a farm manager with a scope of work covering planning, supervision, evaluation to strategic decision-making. Graduates can work directly in the field of aquaculture on a fishery farm scale or in other supporting aspects, such as product marketing and fishery infrastructure. Graduates can also work in government institutions as civil servants (PNS), national and international private companies or self-employed.

Dr Wiyoto explained, the special advantages or characteristics of the IKN Study Program are competence in designing, planning and producing freshwater fish seeds, ornamental fish, brackish/seawater fish, and shrimp. The main focus of these competencies lies in aspects of developing biotechnology applications, based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and industry-oriented as outlined in the curriculum. In addition, graduates are also equipped with nine soft communication skills by practising directly working with cultivating communities and their environment as outlined in the curriculum.

Based on human resources (HR) quality, there are 21 competent lecturers, consisting of 2 professors, 12 doctors and 7 masters. IKN Study Program lecturers also have special competencies covering genetics and reproduction, fish health, environment, fish nutrition and technology systems. "There are also three teachers from industry (practitioners) with expertise in ornamental fish, consumption fish hatchery and brackish/sea fish cultivation," added Dr Wiyoto.

"As a study program that prioritizes skills and analysis, the IKN Study Program is also given with adequate facilities, one of which is a field laboratory at both the Sukabumi campus and the Gunung Gede campus, Bogor. At the Gunung Gede Campus there are laboratories for natural feed, health and water quality. Activities in the field are also equipped with fish ponds for raising fish with a biofloc system with an automatic feeding system using IoT," he explained.

He added that the practicum facility is also equipped with an ornamental fish hatchery, a consumption fish hatchery, a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Lab for catfish and an RAS greenhouse for intensive system shrimp cultivation. The facility supports fish cultivation activities, both consumption fish, ornamental fish and brackish/sea fish. In addition to the facilities on campus, the IKN Study Program also has field practicum facilities in the form of floating net cages (KJA) in Pulau Seribu, DKI Jakarta. (SHM/Rz) (IAAS/MFR).