Depok, March 6, 2026 — Efforts to strengthen the blue economy industry in Indonesia continue to be encouraged through collaboration between universities and government institutions. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), through the Sustainable Blue Economy Center Universitas Indonesia (SBEC UI), is exploring research collaboration and the development of marine technology with the Balai Besar Pengujian dan Penerapan Produk Kelautan dan Perikanan (BBP3KP).

The exploration of this collaboration was discussed during a meeting held at the office of Balai Besar Pengujian dan Penerapan Produk Kelautan dan Perikanan (BBP3KP) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The meeting was part of an effort to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and develop human resources in the marine economy sector.

The SBEC UI team present at the meeting included the Head of SBEC UI, Mufti Petala Patria, and the Deputy Head of SBEC UI, Retno Lestari, along with several team members. The meeting also involved an industry partner from Pandu Holding Company, represented by Fajar R. Budiman.

The delegation was welcomed by the Head of Balai Besar Pengujian dan Penerapan Produk Kelautan dan Perikanan (BBP3KP), Rahmadi Sunoko, along with his team, who presented various innovation programs currently being developed, particularly those focusing on the downstream development of marine and fisheries products.

This collaboration has become increasingly relevant given the significant potential of Indonesia’s marine sector. Data from the Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan Republik Indonesia shows that non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from the marine sector in 2025 increased from Rp2,208.21 billion to Rp2,227.31 billion. Meanwhile, national fisheries production reached 18.64 million tons, representing an increase of around 2.19 percent compared to the previous year.

However, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of the marine sector in the third quarter of 2025 was recorded at 2.23 percent, still lower than the 6.78 percent achieved in 2023. This indicates that there is still significant opportunity to strengthen the blue economy sector through technological innovation and enhancing human resource quality.

Under this collaboration, SBEC UI will implement several youth talent development programs. One of these is a student internship program at BBP3KP, which allows FMIPA UI students to gain hands-on experience in a government institution focused on testing and developing marine products. This program is expected to enhance graduates’ workforce readiness while also opening career opportunities in the marine industry and government sector.

In addition, SBEC UI is also preparing an e-mentoring program aimed at young entrepreneurs in the blue economy, including students, recent graduates, and the general public. This program is designed to provide practical guidance on developing businesses based on marine resources.

In the field of technology, BBP3KP presented several innovations that have been developed, including an analog rice-making machine and a fish skin peeling machine.

The analog rice-making machine allows the blending of various ingredients to produce alternative rice. One of the products introduced is analog rice made from broken rice (beras menir) and seaweed, which utilizes previously underused materials while optimizing the potential of marine resources.

Meanwhile, the fish skin peeling machine is designed to cut fish skin precisely and efficiently, helping fish processing businesses and seafood restaurants improve their productivity.

This collaboration also includes a community service program focused on the utilization of aquaculture waste. One planned activity is the processing of shrimp farm waste into value-added products, which can increase the income of business operators while also reducing environmental impact.

The Deputy Head of SBEC UI, Retno Lestari, stated that the collaboration with BBP3KP is expected to strengthen the link between higher education and the needs of the blue economy industry.

“It is an honor for us to hold this meeting with BBP3KP. We hope this planned collaboration can maximize student potential, especially in the blue economy industry in the future,” said Retno Lestari.

Meanwhile, the Head of BBP3KP, Rahmadi Sunoko, expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a starting point for broader collaboration between the two institutions.

“Hopefully, following this meeting, BBP3KP and Universitas Indonesia can establish collaboration, particularly in research and development of the marine economy,” he said.

After the meeting, the SBEC UI team also conducted an on-site review of several technologies developed by BBP3KP, including the fish skin peeling machine and the analog rice-making machine.

Through this collaboration, both parties hope that the resulting innovations can drive the development of the marine industry while also producing human resources ready to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia’s blue economy.