UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce graduates who make meaningful contributions across sectors. Juwita Tri Hermawati, an alumna of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPK), currently works as a fisheries extension officer at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia (KKP) and is assigned to the Food Security and Agriculture Department Surabaya.
Role of extension officers in supporting fisheries stakeholders
As a fisheries extension officer, Hermawati acts as a bridge between scientific knowledge, technological advancement, and field implementation. Her responsibilities span multiple roles, including educator, motivator, mediator, facilitator, and agent of change, while also assisting fisheries stakeholders in developing their reach.
In her role as an educator, she applies the knowledge gained during her studies at FPK UNAIR to support fishers, salt farmers, and aquaculture practitioners. “The knowledge I gained during my studies has become an essential foundation for helping communities build sustainable and growing fisheries businesses,” she said.
She also plays a key role as a facilitator by helping business actors access funding, government assistance, infrastructure, as well as marketing opportunities and partnerships. As a mediator, she connects them with government agencies, financial institutions, and market partners to help expand their businesses.
Real contributions over 11 years
Her role as a motivator is equally critical. She actively encourages the adoption of new technologies to support the transition from traditional practices to more modern and efficient methods. Hermawati has served as an extension officer for 11 years.
“My career began shortly after graduation when I joined the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries as a civil servant. Universitas Airlangga played a significant role in shaping my career, from providing knowledge and technology to practical skills that I apply directly in the field,” she said.
Throughout her tenure, she has delivered tangible contributions, including assisting communities in accessing funding and government programs, supporting business expansion through digitalization, and helping improve business capacity and product quality to compete in broader markets.
Message for fisheries students
Hermawati emphasized that being an extension officer is a responsibility, as the role involves working directly with fisheries stakeholders to improve the quality of their businesses. She encouraged students to confidently pursue careers in the fisheries sector
“Do not hesitate to build a career in fisheries because the opportunities are vast. The marine and fisheries sector is a national priority, and Indonesia has enormous maritime potential that can continue to be developed,” she said.
Author : Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
