Nha Trang, Vietnam – Prof. Dr. Drs. Nugroho Sumarjiyanto Benedictus Maria, M.Si., Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Diponegoro University (FEB UNDIP), participated in The 8th International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture in Asia (CAA8) which took place in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on July 16-18, 2026. In the forum, Prof. Nugroho was present as an oral presenter with academics, researchers, and practitioners from various countries who discussed the development of aquaculture and the sustainability of coastal communities.
Prof. Nugroho presented a research entitled “The Resilience of Migrant Fisher’s Wives in Securing the Family Economy and Children’s Education (A Case Study in Batang Regency, Indonesia)” at the Sustainable Welfare, Socio-economics, Livelihoods and Gender in Aquaculture session. This research departs from the family life of migrant fishermen in Batang Regency and looks at how fishermen’s wives take an important role when their husbands work at sea. This role is not only related to meeting household needs, but also how families can still maintain their children’s education in the midst of fishermen’s income that is not always certain.
The issues brought in the study are also related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, namely SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The condition of fishermen’s families shows that the sustainability of coastal areas is not only about marine resources, but also about the welfare of families who depend on the sector for their livelihood. The role of women is important because they help maintain the household economy as well as the sustainability of family life when fishermen migrate for work.
The topic presented by Prof. Nugroho received attention from Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. Prof. Kyoko has a close research focus, especially on gender issues, women’s empowerment, and livelihood. At CAA8, Prof. Kyoko also chaired the session on Sustainable Welfare, Socio-economics, Livelihoods and Gender in Aquaculture and presented research on women’s empowerment in aquaculture in Thailand and Cambodia. Prof. Kyoko’s interest in the research on the migrant fisherman’s wife then continued to communication about research cooperation opportunities with Prof. Nugroho.
During CAA8, Prof. Nugroho also participated in scientific sessions, discussions with participants from various countries, and Gala Dinner which was an opportunity to expand academic networks. The series of activities continued with a field trip to the fin fish hatchery in Vinh Luong and a floating net cage in Nha Phu Bay. Participants saw firsthand the hatchery and fish rearing activities and discussed feed management and cage resilience used by local cultivators.
The next visit was made to the production and processing facility of sea grapes in Ninh Hoa. At the location, Prof. Nugroho followed and observed the seaweed sorting process and its handling before it was marketed. This activity provides a first-hand overview of the aquaculture production chain in Vietnam, from aquaculture activities to product processing and marketing.
Participation in CAA8 is an opportunity for Prof. Nugroho to introduce the results of research on Indonesia’s coastal communities to international academics as well as build relationships with researchers who have similar fields of study. The communication established with Prof. Kyoko was one of the results of the meeting and is expected to be continued in the form of joint research. This activity also supports Diponegoro University’s steps in expanding its international network and improving its academic reputation towards a World Class University.
