On September 23 at 09.00 AM (WIB), the University of Riau held a public lecture to commemorate National Maritime Day as part of the 62nd Anniversary of the University of Riau. The event took place at the M. Diah Building of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, aiming to support the vision of the University of Riau to become an outstanding and dignified research university in science and technology in Southeast Asia by 2035.
The public lecture featured the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ir. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, M.M, with the theme "Blue Economy Policy for Ocean Health, Sustainability, and Shared Prosperity." The event was attended by all university and faculty leaders across the University of Riau, including the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si, Vice Dean I for Academic Affairs Dr. Auradian Marta, S.IP., M.A., Vice Dean I for General and Financial Affairs Dr. Mayarni, S.Sos. M.Si and Vice Dean III for Student Affairs, Collaboration, and Alumni Dr. Saiman Pakpahan, S.IP., M.Si.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mexsasai Indra, S.H., M.H., expressed hope that this public lecture would provide more in-depth information and understanding regarding the Blue Economy.
The lecture was delivered by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ir. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, M.M, represented by Ir. Yul Akhyar, M.M, who presented on the Blue Economy Policy for Ocean Health, Sustainability, and Shared Prosperity. He emphasized the importance of preserving and sustainably utilizing the ocean, as well as wisely managing marine resources to achieve sustainable development.
In addition to the presentation from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the event concluded with the symbolic distribution of fish consumption aid packages by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. This initiative aims to encourage the community to consume more fish, which is not only rich in nutrients but also helps improve the economy of communities living around water bodies.
On this occasion, the Rector of the University of Riau expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and all guests in attendance. The Rector also hoped that this event would provide greater benefits and understanding in the context of sustainable development, as the Blue Economy has become an increasingly important issue to discuss. The challenges of climate change and poverty remind us of the importance of protecting and wisely utilizing marine resources.
The development of the Blue Economy can have positive effects on the environment and surrounding communities. It's time for us to consider ways to leverage marine assets to promote sustainable economic development for society. -Enggy-RR