IPB University Applies Wanamina Technology to Crab Farming in Muara Gembong

The IPB University community service team successfully held the 2025 Community-Based Empowerment (BIMA) activity in Muara Gembong, Bekasi. This activity aimed to increase the income of crab farmers through the application of wanamina technology and mangrove ecosystem-based business management strategies.

Dozens of local farmers participated in a training session titled “Increasing Crab Farmers’ Income Through the Application of Wanamina Technology and Business Management.” The event featured three experts from IPB University who provided comprehensive solutions related to technical farming, ecological aspects, and marketing strategies.

Dudi M Wildan, a lecturer at the Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, explained the application of integrated technology, which includes the crab wanamina system and the formulation of alternative feed made from local ingredients in accordance with crab physiology.

In addition, a multifunctional tarpaulin pond design for hatcheries and grow-out facilities was developed, along with production scheduling techniques based on market demand.

“As part of the BIMA program’s sustainability commitment, the IPB University team will provide regular assistance to ensure technology adoption and achieve the target of a 30 percent increase in farmers’ income by the end of 2025,” he said.

Reinforcing this statement, another lecturer from the MSP Department at IPB University, Dr Gatot Yulianto, emphasized the importance of the mangrove ecosystem as a provider of natural nutrients and a pillar of sustainable farming.

During this activity, Nurul Hidayati, a lecturer from the Management Department, provided training on digital marketing strategies and the use of innovative business models to make local crab products more competitive.

This multidisciplinary collaboration between fisheries, ecology, and management experts is key to building competitive and sustainable aquaculture businesses.

The location in Muara Gembong was chosen because of its large untapped potential for crab aquaculture. Participants were actively involved in hands-on practice in making wanamina systems, feed, tarpaulin pond installations, and production management simulations.

The Chief of Pantai Mekar Village, Dahlan, expressed his appreciation for this activity. “We hope that IPB University’s innovations can be widely adopted to accelerate our village’s economy,” he said.

Support also came from the Chief of the Muge Crab Group, Muhammad Yani, who considered this training to have opened up new insights into the integration of wanamina and business management for the welfare of farmers. (**/dr) (IAAS/STD)