In 2024, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) researchers initiated a groundbreaking international research collaboration to develop digital technologies that prevent aquatic ecosystem damage caused by disease outbreaks in aquaculture. Through the Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia Indonesia (KONEKSI) 2024 grant, Unpad’s multidisciplinary research team designed the Disease Reporting and Monitoring System (DRMS), a digital platform aimed at improving early detection, reporting, and monitoring of shrimp diseases across Indonesia’s aquaculture areas. The system integrates real time data collection and collaborative reporting between shrimp farmers, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to mitigate the spread of aquatic diseases that can harm marine biodiversity and water quality.
Led by Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Hamzah Ritchi with team members from various Unpad faculties, this two year project (2024–2026) involves research sites across West Java and other Indonesian regions. The DRMS platform enables farmers to report potential shrimp diseases, monitor infection trends, and receive science based recommendations for disease management. By improving communication and transparency in the aquaculture sector, the system helps reduce mass mortality events that often result in organic waste accumulation and ecosystem degradation in coastal and inland waters.
Beyond technological innovation, the project emphasizes inclusive and sustainable aquaculture practices. The research adopts a gender inclusive and socially responsive approach, engaging women and people with disabilities in aquaculture data management and capacity building activities. This inclusivity ensures that sustainable digital solutions are accessible to small scale shrimp farmers, strengthening both economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Through collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, PT Multidaya Teknologi Nusantara (eFishery), and the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Unpad’s research directly supports the digital transformation of the aquaculture industry while promoting environmental protection. The development of DRMS not only contributes to preventing disease related ecosystem damage but also serves as a science based policy input for sustainable aquaculture governance in Indonesia.
Source: www.unpad.ac.id/2024/07/raih-hibah-indonesia-australia-peneliti-unpad-kembangkan-sistem-informasi-penyakit-udang/