Working Visit of SEAFDEC/AQD Chief to IFRDMD in Palembang

On 4 July 2025, Mr. Dan Baliao, Chief of SEAFDEC/AQD, accompanied by Dr. Edgar Amar, Head of the Training and Information Division, conducted a working visit to IFRDMD in Palembang. The purpose of the visit was to gain firsthand insight into IFRDMD’s facilities and ongoing freshwater aquaculture activities.

The delegation arrived at the IFRDMD office in Jakabaring, Palembang, where they were warmly received by IFRDMD staff. They began the visit with a tour of the SEAFDEC Corner and the fish specimen museum, followed by an inspection of the DNA laboratory, where a current project investigates the genetic relationships among anguillid eel species.

The delegation then proceeded to the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension installation in Mariana, Musi Banyuasin Regency. There, they observed aquaculture operations focusing on three main species: catfish (Pangasius sp. and Hemibagrus sp.) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A session was also held with university students, during which interns shared experiences, challenges, and best practices in aquaculture. This facility serves as a hands-on learning center, supporting activities from internships to postgraduate research.

The visit concluded with a discussion with IFRDMD staff, during which Chief Baliao proposed the development of giant freshwater prawn culture, highlighting that the water quality at the Mariana installation is suitable for such an initiative.