The People’s Economy Research Group (RG) from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), has successfully organized a community service activity entitled “Empowerment and Institutional Development of Consumption Fish Farmers in Tulungagung.”

This activity not only aims to enhance the welfare of local fish farmers but also served as part of UNS’s Students’ Community Service Program (KKN), where students were directly involved in community empowerment.

Held on July 16-17, 2024, the event involved various stakeholders, including students, faculty members, and the local community. A series of educational and training activities were conducted, covering effective fish farming techniques, feed management, and fish production management. Additionally, the primary focus of this initiative was to build strong institutions among fish farmers to increase their bargaining power in the market.

Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the People’s Economy Research Group at UNS, stated that this activity is a testament to UNS’s commitment to supporting a people-based economy. “We believe that with proper empowerment and the formation of solid institutions, fish farmers can significantly improve their welfare,” he said.

Additionally, students give positive feedback to the KKN program as an integral part of this program. They believed that they acquired valuable experience and practical knowledge that is beneficial for their daily lives and academic endeavors. “Through this KKN, we were able to observe firsthand and see how the knowledge we learn in the classroom is applied in real life by going straight to the field,” said one of the participating KKN students.

One of the fish farmers who participated, Pak Eko, expressed his gratitude to UNS. “We are very grateful for this activity. We have learned better farming techniques and how to sell our harvest at more profitable prices,” he said.

Looking ahead, the People’s Economy Research Group at FEB UNS plans to continue similar activities in various other regions, hoping to empower more communities and build a stronger people-based economy.