Semarang, Monday | June 2, 2025
The closed final exam is the end of a doctoral student’s journey at Diponegoro University. The stages in achieving a doctoral degree are not easy, through various stages of lectures, proposal colloquiums, results seminars, eligibility exams and scientific publication processes with great struggle. The Doctoral Study Program in Aquatic Resources Management has again produced its 195th new doctor, namely Rizal Akbar Hutagalung, who is a recipient of the BPI (Indonesian Education Scholarship) scholarship.
The closed final exam took place offline in Building J Room 307 at 10.00 -13.00 WIB with the dissertation title “Ecophysiological-Based Domestication Management Strategy for Maru Fish (Channa marulioides, (Bleeker, 1851))”. The research results explain that Maru fish are classified as acidophiles based on the characteristics of their habitat in acidic swamp waters. mainly. Physiologically, maru fish show secondary sexual characteristics in the form of a more oval male head shape than a relatively flat female with a curve under the operculum, while primary sexual characteristics show different gonad shapes and colors. Domestication of maru fish in the scope of cultivation was carried out for 90 days using the RAS system with various filters. The results of maintenance showed that efforts to adapt the container and cultivation media with RAS filtration could reduce cortisol levels by 9 ng/mL–10 ng/ml and reduce the osmotic performance level value by 4-5. The management strategy for maru fish cultivation can be carried out by prioritizing internal strength and the results obtained during maintenance. Sustainable maru fish farming activities can be carried out with the production of 6-7 cm sized seeds. Maru fish seed enlargement is carried out with a stocking density of 2-3 fish/L at a size of 6-7 cm. The maximum maintenance size for adult fish is 50 cm – 70 cm. The application of feed management and water quality needs to be carried out in the sustainable fish maintenance process. Increasing maru fish production is prioritized to meet the needs of the ornamental fish commodity market. The application of RAS filtration with a drum filter type in maru fish farming is based on internal strengths and external opportunities which are the main strategies in developing cultivation. This is in accordance with the engineering of maru fish habitat characteristics which can have an impact on the quality and quantity of sustainable products and in accordance with market demand.
The Closed Examination was led by Prof. Agus Trianto, ST, M.Sc, PhD (Dean of FPIK), as the Chair of the Session and Examiner, accompanied by Dr. Aninditia Sabdaningsih, S.Si., M.Si. (Head of Study Program), as Secretary of the Examination Session with Team Members, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sutrisno Anggoro, M.S (as Promoter); Ir. Max Rudolf Muskananfola, M.Sc., Ph.D (Co-Promoter II), Prof. Dr. Ir. Slamet Budi Prayitno. M.Sc (Examiner), Prof. Dr. Ir. Suradi, MS (Examiner), Prof. Agus Trianto, ST, M.Sc, PhD (Examiner), Prof. Dr. Ir. Petrus Hary Tjahja Soedibya, MS (External Examiner) from Jenderal Soedirman University. Based on the assessment results of the Closed Examination Examiner Team, Mr. Rizal Akbar Hutagalung., was declared PASSED with the predicate CUMLAUDE and became the 195th graduate of the Doctoral Program in Aquatic Resources Management, FPIK, Diponegoro University. Promovendus took his Bachelor’s Education in the Fisheries Science Study Program, Hang Tuah University, Surabaya, graduated in 2010, completed his Master’s Education in 2015, Aquaculture Study Program, Brawijaya University, then was accepted into the Doctoral Program in Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University in 2021 with an Indonesian Education Scholarship. Currently, Promovendus is a lecturer in the Aquaculture Study Program, Pontianak State Polytechnic. Congratulations and success on your new title, Dr. Rizal Akbar! Continue to work in the development of science, educate the next generation, and advance the welfare of society. Always maintain the good name of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and our beloved alma mater, Diponegoro University.