UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) supports its students to gain valuable experience through Internship and Certified Independent Study (MSIB) program in Merdeka Campus. Muhammad Rafi was one of the fortunate students who had the opportunity to join the MSIB program. He is a student of the Public Health study program, Faculty of Public Health (FKM) UNAIR class of 2020.

Rafi had the opportunity to take part in the MSIB batch 6 program at the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), Surabaya branch. He gained this experience through the Pangan Aman Goes to Campus (PAGC) batch 5 program, where he played an active role as a food safety facilitator.

“As a food safety facilitator, my job is to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs) in the implementation of the Good Processed Food Production Method (CPPOB) so that they can finally obtain the distribution permit number (NIE),” said Rafi.

Assisting MSEs

Rafi explained that the MSIB program at BPOM runs for five months. The first two months are online and the next three months are onsite. Before assisting MSEs, students received briefings and materials on food safety regulations and principles, and followed up with competency-based first-level food safety extension training.

“In the following three months, I had the opportunity to help MSEs manage their food distribution permits. I had the opportunity to assist UD NAPA KIMCHI MSEs,” he explained.

Rafi said each student intern is required to assist one MSEs, with a minimum visit once a week. This activity can help MSEs in improving the quality and safety of food products. In the future, it will increase consumer confidence in the products they sell.

“It gives me the opportunity to contribute directly to quality improvement of food safety in Indonesia,” said the environmental health major.

Challenges and valuable experiences

In his journey during the internship, Rafi explained that the toughest challenge was managing time between internship and his busy schedule working on thesis. He also had to learn the flow of obtaining a distribution permit, which is quite complex and requires in-depth understanding.

“During the process of assisting MSEs, we need to fully understand the regulations and principles of food safety in these MSEs. In order to prepare a permit document for the application of CPPOB, several files need to be prepared, which is a challenge in itself,” said Rafi.

Despite many challenges he faced, Rafi remained enthusiastic and excited about his internship. He was content to help MSEs obtain distribution permits and contribute to improving the quality of food in Indonesia.

“I feel content I could contribute to food safety in Indonesia. Moreover, this experience helped me develop soft skills that are important for my future career path,” he said.

Author: Hana Mufidatuz Zuhrah

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati