FIKKIA NEWS – IMVET Wildlife Animal Care (WLAC) Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA) Airlangga University held Airlangga Sea Turtle Conservation Class (ASTERCLASS) 2026 themed From Rescue to Release: Veterinary Care in Sea Turtle Rehabilitation. The activity, which took place on Saturday-Sunday (June 20-21, 2026), provided students with insight into the role of veterinarians in turtle conservation, from the rescue process to their release into their natural habitat.
The event, chaired by Fajri Zhafran Mubarok (KH 25), was held online via Zoom Meeting and attended by over 80 Veterinary Medicine students from across the school year. In addition to the seminar, participants also participated in field observations at Ngagelan Beach. Alas Purwo . National Park, as part of the next day's wildlife conservation lesson.
The Role of Veterinarians in Turtle Conservation
The seminar featured Deny Rahmadani, M.Sc., a doctor who discussed turtle conservation from a veterinary and wildlife health perspective. In his presentation, he explained that turtles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. However, their populations continue to face various threats, such as illegal hunting, habitat destruction, marine pollution, and interactions with fishing and tourism activities.
In addition to introducing the various types of turtles in Indonesia, Dr. Deny explained the characteristics of nesting habitats, migration patterns, and various health problems commonly found in wild turtles. Common cases include injuries from fishing gear, digestive problems due to plastic waste, infections, and injuries from collisions with ships.
He also emphasized that veterinarians play a crucial role in every stage of conservation. These duties include animal evacuation, health checks, medical treatment, rehabilitation, condition monitoring, and determining the suitability of turtles before they are released back into the wild.
Learning Conservation through Field Experience
Carrying the concept From Rescue to ReleaseASTERCLASS not only provides theoretical learning but also field experience. In the evening, participants observe turtles at Ngagelan Beach with conservation officers. This activity provides an opportunity for participants to observe turtle activity in their natural habitat and learn about monitoring procedures in conservation areas.
The series of activities continued the next day with the release of baby turtles into the sea. This provided participants with a firsthand experience of understanding one of the crucial stages in efforts to conserve turtle populations.
One participant admitted to having a memorable experience while participating in ASTERCLASS 2026.
"This activity was very educational because we not only received material from the speakers but also witnessed firsthand the turtle conservation process in their natural habitat. Observing and releasing the hatchlings was a very valuable experience." he said.
Through ASTERCLASS 2026, IMVET WLAC FIKKIA Airlangga University offers learning that combines theory and field practice. This activity is expected to strengthen the competencies of veterinary students while raising awareness of wildlife conservation and the preservation of Indonesia's biodiversity.
Author: Princess Ajeng Aprisa Simorangkir
Editor: Avicenna C. Nisa