Aquaculture Innovations: A Day at IPBU’s Sukabumi Campus

        On Monday, our fifth day at IPB University (IPBU), we embarked on an early morning journey to the Sukabumi campus for a lecture and practicum session. The nearly two-hour drive was well worth it, as we were greeted by perfect weather upon arrival—crisp air, the sun just beginning to rise, and a gentle breeze that welcomed us into the expansive campus. Surrounded by towering mountains, the campus provided a serene and inspiring backdrop for the day’s activities.

        Our first session was a lecture by Ms. Ima on aquaculture entrepreneurship. The discussion was lively and insightful, with IPBU students presenting their business ventures related to aquaculture. Each student showcased unique products or services, demonstrating how they applied classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. They shared details about their initial capital, revenue, and marketing strategies, offering a glimpse into the practical side of aquaculture.

        Some of the innovative products presented included fish skin chips, betta fish, blood worms as fish food, dried fish, fish siomai, and fish and chips. These products not only highlighted the students’ creativity but also their ability to identify market opportunities within the aquaculture industry. The students even brought samples of their products for us to try. We had the chance to taste the fish skin chips and experience some of their other offerings. One student even gave us a beta fish, one of the products they were selling, as a gesture of hospitality. It was a wonderful way to engage with their work and further understand the real-world impact of their studies.

        After the lecture, we were invited to tour the fisheries facilities and hatchery area on the Sukabumi campus. The facilities were impressive, featuring expansive fish ponds and state-of-the-art hatcheries. We had the opportunity to feed large koi fish, some valued at millions of rupiah, and learned about the meticulous care required to maintain such valuable aquatic life. Discussions with Ms. Ima and the hatchery technicians provided deeper insights into the operations and challenges of aquaculture in Indonesia.

        Throughout the day, we engaged in meaningful conversations with IPBU students and faculty, exchanging knowledge and experiences. The collaborative environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, enriching our understanding of Indonesian aquaculture practices.

        Although the two-hour drive back to Bogor was tiring, the day’s experiences made it all worthwhile. The combination of academic learning, practical exposure, and cultural exchange made for a fulfilling and enjoyable day. We left the Sukabumi campus with a deeper appreciation for aquaculture and the innovative approaches being implemented in Indonesia.