Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is strengthening research synergy and the implementation of regional development policies in the marine and fisheries sector through coordination with the Central Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), the Central Java Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), the Natural Resources Infrastructure Bureau (ISDA) under the Provincial Secretariat, as well as marine and fisheries agencies at the regency and city levels across Central Java.
The coordination meeting, held in Semarang on Thursday (January 15), involved researchers from BRIN’s Research Center for Production Machinery Manufacturing Technology, Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, and Research Center for Applied Zoology. The discussion focused on strengthening the link between research outcomes and the policy needs and development programs of the regional marine and fisheries sector.
Integrating Smart Fishing and Food–Energy Optimization Programs
The meeting also discussed the continued development of Smart Fishing and Smart Farming initiatives in Central Java’s coastal areas through the launch of the Food and Energy Production Optimization Program. The program is designed through the engineered application of digital technologies and supporting facilities, covering capture fisheries, aquaculture, soil improvement for food cultivation, and the development of renewable energy.
“Strong research support is needed for sustainable fisheries resource management, the development of capture fisheries and aquaculture, increasing the added value of fishery products, and strengthening scientific data and information as the basis for regional policy formulation,” said Zarochman, a researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Production Machinery Manufacturing Technology.
During the meeting, which was attended by 35 participants, BRIN researchers presented research findings relevant to the marine and fisheries potential and characteristics of Central Java Province, along with proposed follow-up research that could be jointly developed with regional governments.
“These various research initiatives are expected to be optimally utilized by the Central Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency to support the region’s priority development programs,” Zarochman emphasized.
At the initial stage, he explained, BRIN will focus on identifying several priority sites along the northern coast of Central Java. For the capture fisheries sector in Fisheries Management Area (WPPNRI) 712, BRIN and its partners will continue the early development of the Fisheries Science Techno Park (STP) in Pekalongan City and several other coastal cities.
Zarochman further explained that development efforts will be directed toward real-time identification of fishing grounds through Internet of Things (IoT)-based digitalization and fishing gear technologies. Selective fishing systems will be applied across various fishery types, including small pelagics, demersal species, shrimp, and blue swimming crab. This includes the development of export-oriented crab fishing fleets equipped with improved onboard catch-handling systems, such as squid nets and other fishing units.
He added that within the crab fishing fleet system, plans are underway to develop hybrid sailing vessel technology as the primary platform for crab fishing operations in deeper waters.
Meanwhile, the development of Smart Farming in coastal areas will focus on IoT-based digitalization of shrimp and milkfish aquaculture. BRIN is also preparing production technologies for pyramid salt and cosmetic-grade salt, as well as storage systems for capturing fisheries products.
“These programs are designed to strengthen food security while improving the economic welfare of Central Java’s communities, including encouraging younger generations to return to rural areas,” Zarochman stated.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration for Sustainable Coastal Development
He added that coastal smart farming will also be combined with pyrolysis technology engineering to produce soil enhancers such as biochar, organic fertilizer, and vermicompost. This initiative involves cross-disciplinary collaboration with researchers in agriculture, zoology, and environmental sciences, and will be piloted on marginal land within the Central Java Regional Government Science and Technology Area in Pucang Gading.
Zarochman believes that collaboration between research institutions and regional governments is key to addressing challenges in the marine and fisheries sector, particularly in terms of resource sustainability, climate change adaptation, and improving the welfare of fishers and aquaculture farmers.
On this occasion, the Central Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency welcomed the synergy. Adityo Harmawan, a staff member of the Capture Fisheries Division at the agency, emphasized the importance of research and innovation support in formulating policies grounded in data and scientific evidence.
“This synergy is expected to produce technical and policy recommendations that are practical and aligned with regional needs,” he concluded.
Through this coordination, BRIN and the Central Java Provincial Government reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, ranging from the utilization of research outcomes and technical assistance to joint program development, to support the sustainable development of Central Java’s marine and fisheries sector.
Conclusion
The strengthened collaboration between BRIN and the Central Java Provincial Government demonstrates the critical role of research-driven innovation in advancing sustainable coastal development. By integrating smart fishing, smart farming, digital technologies, and cross-disciplinary expertise into regional policymaking, the initiative is set to enhance food security, improve climate resilience, and elevate the economic well-being of coastal communities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine and fisheries resources.
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