From 5 to 9 October 2026, a four-member delegation from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, visited the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (FFPW USB). The visit followed an invitation from FFPW USB and built on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year. The visit was also supported logistically and financially by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Jakarta.
The Indonesian delegation was led by the Dean of the faculty, Dr Beginer Subhan, accompanied by Dr Yuni Puji Hastuti, Vice-Dean for Resources, Collaboration and Development. The other participants were Dr Ichsan Achmad Fauzi from the Department of Aquaculture and Dr Safrina Dyah Hardiningtyas from the Department of Aquatic Product Technology.
The official programme began on Monday with a meeting with the Dean and Vice-Deans of FFPW USB. Both faculties presented their activities, followed by a tour of the research infrastructure at the faculty's facilities in Vodňany. Accompanied by Dr J. Regenda, the Indonesian guests visited all laboratories and experimental facilities.
Tuesday's programme focused on the research and teaching facilities in České Budějovice, as well as meetings with the Rector of the University of South Bohemia, Prof. Pavel Kozák, and the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Vladimír Žlábek. The discussions focused primarily on opportunities to expand cooperation and involve additional faculties of the University of South Bohemia.
Tuesday evening and Wednesday were dedicated to visits to several fish farms and aquaculture facilities: NDC Volary, s.r.o., operating recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for rearing zander, European catfish and sturgeon; Blatenská ryba, s.r.o., with its RAS facility for zander farming, fish holding ponds and water castle; and Rybářství Klatovy, a.s., including the Annín trout farm and the fish hatchery in Borová Lada, within Šumava National Park.
Thursday morning was devoted to a visit to the Secondary Fish Farming School and Higher Vocational School of Water Management and Ecology, Vodňany. The delegation toured its practical training and experimental facilities, as well as the school building itself. Later in the afternoon, Dr Ichsan Achmad Fauzi delivered a lecture and held a discussion with the school's students, introducing them to the specific characteristics of Indonesian fisheries and the activities of his faculty. His presentation was met with considerable interest from the students.
The highlight of the five-day visit was Thursday afternoon, when the activities and organisation of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at IPB University were presented to all staff members and doctoral students of FFPW USB. This was followed by presentations from eight research teams at FFPW USB that had expressed an interest in closer collaboration. The subsequent discussion identified several thematic areas for future cooperation and established initial milestones.
Both sides recognised significant potential for further cooperation in specific scientific fields and expressed interest in exchanging academic staff and students. A smaller delegation of academics from the University of South Bohemia may visit IPB University in Bogor in early 2027 as part of a reciprocal visit.
Thursday evening concluded with a tasting dinner featuring Czech specialities, hosted by the Dean of FFPW USB.
Friday morning's programme included a brief visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Prague, followed by a meeting at the Department of Fisheries and Game Management of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Indonesian Embassy also attended the meeting.
I would like to thank all colleagues and partners who contributed to the organisation of this visit and helped ensure its successful outcome.
Autho: Ján Regenda
