Universitas Bung Hatta’s Faculty of Fisheries Participates in IORA International Forum to Strengthen Biosecurity in West Sumatra

The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of Universitas Bung Hatta sent two lecturers, Dr. Ir. Abdullah Munzir, M.Si. and Lolitha Uthary, S.Pi., M.Si., to attend the international forum “IORA on Enhancing Biosecurity in Inland Aquaculture Farms”, organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Santika Premiere Hotel Padang on 18–21 November 2025.

The forum was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, and attended by delegates from Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, regional leaders across West Sumatra, and international partners.

The IORA forum serves as a collaborative platform to improve biosecurity standards in inland aquaculture, addressing growing challenges such as fish disease outbreaks, climate change impacts, and global food safety demands. The initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger/Food Security), SDG 12 (Responsible Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Throughout the sessions, discussions highlighted challenges and opportunities in strengthening aquaculture biosecurity in Indonesia, especially in West Sumatra. The two UBH lecturers shared academic perspectives on the importance of integrating biosecurity guidelines with research, technological innovation, and empowerment of fish farming communities.

Dr. Abdullah Munzir stated that as an impact-oriented university, Universitas Bung Hatta remains committed to supporting national efforts to enhance fisheries resilience and competitiveness through education, research, and community engagement. He expressed hope that the forum would generate positive outcomes for the development of inland aquaculture practices while expanding international networks for curriculum development, applied research, and globally oriented community service programs.

He added that UBH’s participation in the IORA forum strengthens the university’s role as a center for fisheries science development that is adaptive to emerging challenges, and encourages new initiatives to promote biosecurity and sustainable aquaculture practic