UNDIP, Nagasaki, Japan (20/6) – The Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of Universitas Diponegoro (FPIK UNDIP) and Chair of the Indonesian Forum of Fisheries and Marine Higher Education Institutions (FKPTPK), Prof. Dr. Agus Trianto, S.T., M.Sc., recently conducted a strategic working visit to Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The visit focused on studying integrated fish market management systems and exploring international internship opportunities for FPIK UNDIP students as part of a concrete effort to enhance student competencies and global competitiveness.
Exploring Matsuura Fish Market: The Global Hub of “Aji Furai” Industry
One of the main agendas of the visit was a tour of Matsuura Fish Market, one of the most important fisheries ports in the Kyushu region. The city of Matsuura contributes nearly half of Japan’s total horse mackerel (aji) catch volume. Its local fisheries industry can produce up to 200,000 pieces of Aji Furai (breaded and fried horse mackerel) daily. This flagship product not only dominates Japan’s domestic market and attracts culinary tourists but has also successfully entered European Union export markets.
During the visit, Prof. Agus Trianto observed firsthand a highly modern and hygienic supply chain from catch to processing. The process begins at sea, where fishing vessels utilize ice slurry technology to maintain fish freshness immediately after capture. Upon arrival at the port, the fish are transferred through automated conveyor systems that also function as size-sorting machines.
Adjacent to the market is a modern processing facility certified under EU HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) standards. HACCP is a science-based food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards throughout food production. In this facility, fish are cleaned, filleted, and coated with premium-quality panko breadcrumbs under highly sterile conditions.
“From the moment the fish enter the conveyor system until packaging, every process takes place in a cold and exceptionally clean environment, so there is almost no fishy odor around the port area. This integrated model connecting the fishing port, fish auction market, and processing industry should become the standard in Indonesia. The process is highly efficient, well-controlled, and hygienic,” said Prof. Agus.
Beyond technological benchmarking, the visit carried a significant mission for FPIK UNDIP students. Following the port tour, the delegation held an intensive discussion with representatives of fish processing and marketing companies in the Matsuura Port complex. Industry stakeholders in Matsuura, Nagasaki welcomed the opportunity for collaboration, as they require educated and skilled workers during certain seasonal periods. For UNDIP, this presents a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to the latest technologies directly from one of the world’s leading fisheries centers.
Opening Golden Opportunities for International Internships
To strengthen the partnership framework, the delegation was also officially received at the Nagasaki Mayor’s Office. During the productive discussion, Prof. Agus outlined the broader vision behind FPIK UNDIP’s internship program. “Internship programs for Fisheries and Marine Sciences students are not merely intended to increase technical knowledge and experience. They are also designed to cultivate a strong work ethic and broaden students’ global perspectives,” explained Prof. Agus.
It is expected that upon returning to Indonesia, FPIK UNDIP students who have acquired Japanese-standard work ethics and international experience will contribute significantly to accelerating the development of Indonesia’s fisheries industry, whether as government professionals, entrepreneurs, or sociopreneurs. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment from both parties to implement the internship program in the near future. The number of participating students will be gradually increased based on evaluations of their performance within partner companies.
This strategic initiative by FPIK UNDIP is expected to support the achievement of the university’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) while producing a new generation of fisheries professionals capable of competing on the global stage. (Public Communication / UNDIP / FPIK Public Relations)
