Strengthening the Fisheries Sector: Bangka Belitung State Polytechnic (Polman Negeri Babel) and HNSI Bangka Sign Cooperation Agreement
Eko Sulistyo, M.T., Deputy Director III of the Bangka Belitung State Polytechnic, together with Lukman, S.Pd., Chairman of the Bangka Regency Branch of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association (HNSI), display the signed cooperation agreement at the Applied Bachelor’s Study Program building for Aquaculture Technology.
A profound atmosphere marked the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Bangka Regency Branch of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association (DPC HNSI) and the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel), held at the Applied Bachelor’s Program building for Aquaculture Technology on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).
The agreement aims to strengthen the development of science and technology and address various challenges faced by the community in the fisheries sector. Attendees from Polman Babel included Deputy Director III Eko Sulistyo, M.T.; Head of the Academic Support Unit for Career Development and Entrepreneurship Harwadi, M.Ed.; Head of the Academic, Student Affairs, and Cooperation Division Somawardi, M.T.; Head of the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Aquaculture Technology Dewi Tumatul Aini, M.Si.; and the program's faculty members.
Meanwhile, representatives from DPC HNSI Bangka Regency included the Chairman, Lukman, S.Pd., accompanied by board members and the *Laskar Pesisir* (Coastal Task Force), who witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement.
On that occasion, Eko Sulistyo, M.T., Deputy Director III of Polman Babel, emphasized that this collaboration is essential for academics to develop practical, beneficial knowledge. "Moreover, through our partnership with HNSI, we can exchange ideas regarding various issues in the fisheries sector," he stated.
Furthermore, the collaboration opens up opportunities to identify the challenges faced by the community—particularly fishermen and those involved in aquaculture.
"When problems arise, there must be solutions tailored to the needs of fishermen and aquaculture practitioners—such as in crab and shrimp farming—and it is also possible for HNSI members to get involved as practitioner-lecturers," he explained.
Eko further expressed his hope that the agreed-upon collaboration would not end merely with the signing of documents but would continue through various programs that yield satisfying, positive impacts.
Echoing this sentiment, Lukman, S.Pd., Chairman of the Bangka Regency HNSI (Indonesian Fishermen Association) Branch, stated that collaboration could begin with simple programs before expanding into larger activities that support regional development—something that brings satisfaction to the organization.
He emphasized that the collaboration must not be merely ceremonial; it must yield tangible results. As an organization serving as a hub for fishermen to engage in positive activities within the fisheries sector, HNSI requires input and support from Polman Babel (Bangka Belitung State Polytechnic) to find solutions to the various obstacles they face.
He further noted that several program ideas are already in place, including the development of cuttlefish and pearl lobster farming in the Jelitik area. Additionally, there are plans to propose an offshore "mini-fuel station" program to better meet the fishermen's fuel needs.
The series of activities concluded with an exchange of mementos between Polman Babel and the Bangka Regency branch of HNSI (Indonesian Fishermen's Association), marking the establishment of a positive relationship aimed at fostering the development of a sustainable fisheries sector.
