The Lecturer Homecoming Program (dospulkam) is a form of community service carried out by lecturers from universities. This activity aims to share knowledge, technology, and skills relevant to the community’s needs in their home region or other areas in need. As one of the units with a relatively high level of acceptance of funding assistance program proposals within IPB University, this year several teams of lecturers from the Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), IPB University have again succeeded in obtaining funding assistance for the Lecturer Homecoming Program which is spread across several cities/regencies and islands.

One of the teams in the Dept. MSP FPIK IPB involved in organizing the dospulkam activity consists of Prof. Niken Tunjung Murti Pratiwi, Dr. Majariana Krisanti, S.Pi., M.Sc., Inna Puspa Ayu, S.Pi., M.Sc., and Dwi Yuni Wulandari, S.Pi., M.Sc.. The theme of the activity carried out by Prof. Niken together with the team is “Introduction to Filamentous Microalgae: Preparation of Raw Materials for Fiber Sources from Freshwater to Improve the Skills of Teachers and Students of SMKN Pertanian Pembangunan Cianjur”.

On August 6, 2024, Prof. Niken started a series of dospulkan activities by holding a virtual meeting via Zoom Meeting with teachers and students of SMKN Pertanian Pembangunan Cianjur. This meeting was the first step to getting to know each other and explaining the series of activities that will be held for the next seven months. In addition, Prof. Niken also introduced the potential of filamentous microalgae as a raw material for fiber that can be utilized from fresh water. This microalgae has various advantages, one of which is its ability to be a source of natural fiber that has high potential in multiple industries, including food.

Students of SMKN PP Cianjur enthusiastically attended this activity, totaling around 30 participants. In this session, students were invited to learn about the existence of filamentous algae in Petani Lukut Cianjur. In addition, students were also taught briefly about the basics of microalgae cultivation, how to process it into fiber, and its potential applications in industry.

Prof. Niken Tunjung Murti Pratiwi as the main speaker expressed great hope that the dospulkam activities that will run for the next few months can trigger enthusiasm for students and teachers to continue exploring the potential of local natural resources, especially microalgae, as alternative raw materials that are environmentally friendly and have added value. Through this activity, participants will not only gain new knowledge but also be motivated to apply it in learning and daily life to participate in developing natural resource-based industries in their areas.