Jatinangor, 13 November 2025 — The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran (FPIK UNPAD) has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Garuda di Lautku Initiative Foundation to strengthen the development, management, and sustainable use of marine conservation areas across Indonesia.
This partnership aims to foster institutional synergy grounded in science, technology, and local wisdom to support marine ecosystem preservation, enhance the well-being of coastal communities, and accelerate the achievement of national conservation targets. The agreement serves as a guiding framework for both parties to collaborate on strategic studies, network building, and community empowerment in coastal and small island regions. By integrating academic research with grassroots engagement, the collaboration aspires to promote inclusive and adaptive marine governance positioning conservation not only as an ecological imperative but also as a pathway toward equitable and knowledge-driven coastal development
The scope of the partnership includes the joint development of marine conservation management plans, the utilization of relevant data and supporting resources, science-based and locally grounded research, public education, and continuous ecosystem monitoring. This initiative aspires to serve as a model of collaboration between academia and civil society in advancing inclusive and sustainable ocean governance. “This partnership is not only about conservation, it is about shaping a just, sustainable, and knowledge-driven future for Indonesia’s coastal regions,” stated Prof. Dr. sc. agr. Yudi Nurul Ihsan, S.Pi., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran
The signing ceremony took place in conjunction with the National Seminar and Panel Discussion titled “Strengthening Governance and Downstreaming of the Eel Industry as a Foundation for National Sustainable Fisheries Policy”, held at Bale Sawala, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The seminar was jointly organized by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran (FPIK UNPAD), the Garuda Di Lautku Initiative Foundation, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
The seminar featured three distinguished speakers, with the keynote address delivered by Prof. Dr. Ir. Gadis Sri Haryani from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Her presentation, titled “Ecological Governance and Eel Industry Downstreaming for Blue Economic Resilience,” emphasized the strategic importance of eel as a commodity that naturally bridges two critical pillars, ecology and economy, while offering both high nutritional value and strong market potential.
The second speaker, Prof. Dr. Zuzy Anna from the SDGs Center at Universitas Padjadjaran, explored “Blue Economy and Governance for a High-Value, Sustainable Fisheries Sector,” highlighting the need for integrated policy frameworks that align ecological stewardship with inclusive economic growth.
The session concluded with a presentation by Oza Olavia, Head of the National Single Window Agency, who discussed “Trade Governance, Export Licensing, and Data Integration Systems to Strengthen the Eel Value Chain.” The seminar was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Rita Rostika, MP., from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran.
The second session continued with a multidisciplinary panel discussion featuring five experts from academia, government, and industry. The dialogue centered on advancing sustainable eel aquaculture through integrated governance and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Luky Adrianto of IPB University opened the session with insights on the Implementation of the Social-Ecological System Framework in Developing a Sustainable Eel Industry, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches that balance ecological integrity with socio-economic viability. Sarmintohadi, Director of Species and Genetic Conservation at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), addressed Quota-Based Seed Management and Industry Downstreaming Synergy, highlighting regulatory strategies to ensure resource sustainability while enabling value-added growth.
Nur Kholiq, Manager of PT Litang Perbudidaya Jaya Indonesia, shared perspectives on Building the Eel Fisheries Industry: Opportunities and Challenges, drawing from operational realities and market dynamics. Dr. Ine Maulina, Head of the Fisheries Study Program at FPIK UNPAD, concluded the panel with a presentation on Eel Grow-Out Business Segmentation and Community Perspectives on Industry Regulation, underscoring the importance of inclusive policy design and stakeholder engagement.
The panel discussion unfolded in a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, bringing together key stakeholders from across Indonesia’s eel fisheries sector including wild-catch fishers, aggregators, local traders, exporters, provincial and district fisheries agencies, and regulatory representatives from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Moderated by Dr. Ir. Fadli Syamsudin, M.Sc. of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the session provided a rare platform for open dialogue, surfacing the practical challenges and systemic barriers faced by eel industry actors nationwide.
The seminar and panel discussions succeeded in bridging communication gaps between government and business actors at all levels, fostering mutual understanding and generating a shared commitment among national, provincial, and local authorities, academia, researchers, industry players, media, and civil society. Together, participants agreed to co-develop a roadmap for equitable and sustainable governance of Indonesia’s eel fisheries. In the long term, the initiative aims to position eel as a high-value blue food commodity with strong nutritional and economic potential, capable of meeting global market standards while supporting resilient coastal livelihoods.