#LifeatMDPI: How MDPI is Changing the Game for Indonesia’s Ocean and Small-scale Fishers

_{by Stella F. Situmorang, Supriyadin}

Hello, Happy People! We’re Stella Farica Situmorang and Supriyadin, two college students interning at MDPI this August 2024. We’re both studying Aquatic Resource Management at Udayana University, and when we heard about MDPI, we knew we had to check it out. Spoiler: It was absolutely worth it.

Why we choose to intern at MDPI

We share two same interests with MDPI: sustainable fisheries and the well-being of coastal community. MDPI has been doing incredible work since 2013, focusing on sustainable fisheries and supporting small-scale fishers across Indonesia. For us, it was the perfect opportunity to take everything we’ve learned in class and see how it all plays out in the real world.

You might think an office-based internship would be a little dull. But no, when we interned at MDPI’s headquarter, every day was packed with exciting discussions, whether it was about sustainable fishing practices or how MDPI’s team collects crucial data on endangered marine species (like seaturtles and sharks). We felt like sponges soaking up all the knowledge from the experts around us.

Getting us hooked: The reality of small-scale fishing communities in Indonesia

One thing that really hit us is the fact that many small-scale fishers depend on their daily catches; what you catch today, you eat today. We stepped up to help these communities by teaching financial planning, empowering fisherwomen to make and sell fish products, and even helping set up cooperatives.

Our main task during the internship was creating infographics to simplify the process of registering fishing boats and fish aggregating devices. Proper registration isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about keeping fishers safe and ensuring sustainable fishing for years to come. Plus, making sure the visuals were clear and easy to follow gave us a creative outlet.

Overall experience

This experience wasn’t just a resume boost; it was fulfilling. We’ve gained knowledge, connections, and a deeper passion for protecting marine ecosystems. From empowering coastal communities to promoting sustainable practices, we set an example for how change really happens.

At the end of the day, every fish caught and every net cast tells a story of hard work and hope. MDPI’s efforts help ensure that those stories have happy endings—for fishers, their families, and our oceans. So here’s a huge thank you to MDPI for letting us be part of the journey!