[Unpad Media Channel] A Professor of Fisheries and Marine Science from Universitas Padjadjaran Prof. Yudi Nurul Ihsan said Indonesia had great potential in the field of marine and fisheries, along with the increasing demand for natural resources and environmental services of marine and fisheries.
This can be a competitive advantage for the nation towards a prosperous and well-being society, both materially and spiritually.
To implement that matters quickly, a transformation in the development paradigm is needed from land-based socio-economy development to ocean-based economy development by utilizing the 4.0 industrial revolution technology.
“In order to realize this mission, innovation policies are required, that is, by positioning innovation and collaboration in marine and fisheries development as an economic development platform,” said Prof. Yudi.
It is presented by Prof. Yudi when delivering the Academic Oration in the Appointment Ceremony for the Professorship in the field of Ecology of Tropical Oceans for Unpad’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science with the title “Innovation in Marine and Fisheries Resource Management.” The event is held at Grha Sanusi Hardjadinata at Unpad, Jalan Dipati Ukur No. 35 Bandung, Tuesday (28/5/2024).
On that occasion, Prof. Yudi said that the absence of harmony and justice in managing Indonesia’s natural resources results in low sovereignty in resource management and human resource competitiveness.
“That conditions result in a paradox. On one side, natural resources are abundant, but on the other, the welfare level and equitable distribution of development outcomes are still concerning. The best efforts to be made involve harnessing these natural resources for the prosperity of society by enhancing innovation in the management of marine and fisheries resources,” he said.
Prof. Yudi suggests that some innovations can be done to improve Indonesia’s marine potential, including social, technological, biotechnological, and environmental innovation.
In the social innovation, Prof. Yudi said that based on the natural wealth potential and existing conditions of the Indonesian nation, a social problem-solving plan can be formulated based on the noble values of Pancasila, especially the values of harmony, democracy, and justice.
Regarding technology innovation, Prof. Yudi said that fisheries and marine resources management must address the disruption era. If there is a slow response, it is possible that Indonesia’s marine and fisheries resources will not contribute to the progress and welfare of society. Some efforts can be implemented by strengthening information systems, big data, multi-aid vessels and satellites, and environmentally friendly fishing gear.
Moreover, the development of innovation in the sustainable utilization of marine and fisheries resources is inseparable from the application of biotechnology principles. One of the continuously evolving innovations is their application in cosmetics.
“One innovation the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at Unpad hopes to develop is by providing alternative cosmetic products from marine resources and fishery waste. These products not only meet the community’s needs for skin health care with natural and safe ingredients rich in beneficial bioactive compounds but also address the issue of fishery industry waste by adding value and supporting the optimization of zero waste,” said Prof. Yudi.
Related to the environment, an effort hoped to support coastal and marine cleanliness requires proactive efforts from every element of society. The implementation of a circular economy can also be done, which is a comprehensive approach to managing the product life cycle from beginning to end, considering economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Those innovations are focused on increasing the contribution of the marine and fisheries sector to the economy. The expected contributions include increases in: fishery production; exports of fishery commodities; Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the marine and fisheries sector; levies or taxes from the marine and fisheries sector; employment opportunities and workforce absorption from the marine and fisheries sector; and income for fishermen, fish farmers, and other coastal communities.
“The hope for stakeholders, including the current government, is the realization of various programs related to support and encouragement to ensure that the marine and fisheries sector can truly advance and improve the welfare of society and the food security of this maritime nation. Hopefully, research and innovation in the marine and fisheries sector can continue to advance in line with the development of the times and become a source of progress and a driver of the nation’s economy,” he hoped. (arm/SA)*
