[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran has partnered with Binus University to launch two new Double Degree undergraduate programs: Digital Technology in Fisheries and Digital Technology in Marine Science. This collaboration between a public and private university marks the first of its kind in Indonesia, representing a new step in the nation’s higher education landscape. The launch event was held at Unpad’s Jakarta Representative Office, Danareksa Tower, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024.
“These two programs (Digital Technology in Fisheries and Digital Technology in Marine Science) combine digital technology mastery with fisheries and marine sciences,” said the Rector of Unpad, Prof. Rina Indiastuti, S.E., M.SIE.
The Digital Technology in Fisheries program offers students an opportunity to study the fundamentals of fisheries along with information systems. Students will be trained to develop, implement, and manage technology-based solutions that improve decision-making and operational efficiency in fish farming. Moreover, the Digital Technology in Marine Science program equips students with knowledge of marine biology, marine fauna ecophysiology, and ecosystem modelling, integrated with computer science. This will enable students to create technologies for monitoring and conserving marine biodiversity.
“We believe that graduates of this double degree program will become key players in the maritime sector, with the potential to contribute to 2045 Golden Indonesia,” added Prof. Rina.
The Rector of Binus University, Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., CSCA, emphasized that this strategic collaboration represents a commitment to innovation in education during the digital transformation era and the blue economy.
“Through this program, we hope to produce graduates who are not only skilled in their fields but also capable of addressing global issues while supporting the sustainability of Indonesia’s maritime and fisheries ecosystems,” said Nelly.
The launch event was attended by university leaders from both Unpad and Binus, as well as high school teachers and students from Jakarta. The double degree programs will be available to first-semester students in Unpad’s Fisheries and Marine Science programs, admitted through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP), National Selection Based on Test (SNBT), or independent selection.
A talk show titled “Digital Transformation in Support of the Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges” was also held during the event. The speakers were Dr. Agam Bayu Suryanto, S.E., M.B.A. (Head of Cooperation and Scholarship Development Division, LPDP), Prof. Dr. sc. Agr. Yudi Nurul Ihsan, S.Pi., M.Si. (Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Unpad), Prof. Dr. Evaristus Didik Madyatmadja, S.T., M.Kom., M.T. (Lecturer Specialist, Binus University), and Rahadiyan Dewangga (CEO, PT IJO Inovasi Indonesia).
The talk show highlighted the importance of digital transformation in promoting the blue economy, focusing on the sustainable use of marine resources. However, digital transformation in this area faces challenges, particularly in terms of human resources.
“Our marine sector is rich and resilient, but we have weaknesses in terms of human capital,” said Prof. Yudi.
Dr. Agam further explained that currently, the number of non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduates far exceeds that of STEM graduates. Strengthening STEM education is crucial to develop the human resources needed to support downstream industry and innovation.
“The Double Degree program between Unpad and Binus is highly relevant to the current digital and marine challenges we face,” said Dr. Agam.
This collaboration is expected to inspire more young Indonesians to contribute to the advancement of the Blue Economy. (SA)*
