UNDIP, Semarang – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at Universitas Diponegoro, in collaboration with the FPIK UNDIP Alumni Association, held a Public Discussion titled “Opportunities and Challenges of Working Abroad.” The event featured the Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (Head of BP2MI), H. Abdul Kadir Karding, S.Pi., M.Si., as the keynote speaker. The discussion took place at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences auditorium on the UNDIP Tembalang campus on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Prof. Dr. Adian Fatchur Rochim, S.T., M.T., Vice Rector III for Human Resources, Information Technology, Law, and Organization, and Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication attended the event.
The event began with a lively welcome from FPIK students, who performed a flash mob featuring a cheer routine, followed by a traditional dance, Tari Semarangan, and a flower-garlanding ceremony led by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Putut Har Riyadi, S.Pi., M.Si.
H. Abdul Kadir Karding, S.Pi., M.Si., who currently serves as Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers in the 2024 Kabinet Merah Putih, is one of the most accomplished alumni of the Department of Fisheries and the Chairperson of the UNDIP Alumni Association (DPP IKA UNDIP).
In his opening remarks, Vice Rector IV Wijayanto, representing UNDIP Rector, expressed pride in seeing UNDIP alumni represented in the Kabinet Merah Putih.
“It shows that UNDIP alumni are excellent and competitive, capable of holding strategic positions in the nation,” he stated.
Highlighting Indonesia’s strategic position as a maritime nation, he emphasized UNDIP’s commitment to the sea since the future of UNDIP lies in the ocean. “FPIK is expected to become one of UNDIP’s pillars, embodying its identity as directed by the new Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. Thus, the UNDIP Rector is committed to developing FPIK UNDIP,” Wijayanto stated.
“Now, the UNDIP campus in Jepara offers an undergraduate program in Fisheries and Marine Business Technology. Students there not only receive scholarships but are also provided with laptops, showcasing our competence in marine and other fields,” he added.
Wijayanto referenced Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s novel, ‘Arus Balik’, to illustrate the historical decline of Indonesia’s maritime vision.
“From Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia has vast seas, yet they are often neglected. With the UNDIP campus located near the sea, we hope it becomes a strength for us,” he noted.
The event continued with a presentation by Minister Abdul Kadir, who expressed gratitude to the senior FPIK lecturers who had guided him during his undergraduate studies.
The Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (BP2MI) ensures that all individuals working abroad receive training and certification. The Minister provided an example for FPIK students aspiring to work on fishing vessels abroad, stating that they must at least have Basic Safety Training (BST) certification.
“We must prepare Indonesian workers with skills through training. This program collaborates with the Ministry of Education and offers internships, enabling skilled professionals to work abroad and contribute to the nation’s reign exchange,” Minister Abdul Kadir explained.
BP2MI has instructed all overseas workers to follow proper procedures, ensuring a streamlined process and affordable costs. The ministry also focuses on fostering cooperation in the fisheries and maritime sectors.
“Currently, Jawa Tengah has the highest number of individuals sent abroad, with 6,000 out of 16,000 workers nationwide,” he revealed.
The event concluded with a prayer session and tumpeng-cutting ceremony by the FPIK Alumni Associations, KERAPU and KEKAL, as a gesture of gratitude for entrusting one of FPIK alumni to lead the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection.
This event marked a positive step for FPIK UNDIP in supporting students’ global career development. With the Minister’s insights, students are expected to be better prepared for internships and work abroad and inspired to contribute to the nation like H. Abdul Kadir Karding. (DHW; Ut – Media Relations)
