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The atmosphere at the Perjuangan 45 Sports Hall courtyard of Jember State Polytechnic (Polije) grew increasingly lively with the Fish Ball Processing Competition, one of the highlighted categories at the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Competition (AITeC) 7 2025.
This category became a crowd favorite as participants showcased their skills in transforming raw fish into high-value food products. Each team demonstrated expertise in processing fish meat, mixing seasonings, and producing chewy, hygienic fish balls.
Polije Director Saiful Anwar, S.TP., M.P., emphasized that the competition was not merely about speed and taste but served as a platform to cultivate students’ creativity.
“We want students to become accustomed to processing fish products according to industrial standards. Fish balls are an example of a product with strong market potential and competitiveness,” he said.
According to Saiful, such competitions broaden students’ perspectives on business opportunities within the fisheries sector.
“Our hope is that students not only master production techniques but also learn to think about marketing strategies and business value,” he added.
Audience enthusiasm was evident, with many visitors gathering to observe the entire process—from grinding the fish to shaping perfectly round fish balls.
The competition also encouraged innovation, allowing participants to experiment with flavor variations and presentation styles. Creativity became a key judging criterion, alongside texture quality and hygiene.
Through this competition, AITeC 7 2025 not only showcased technical expertise but also reinforced Polije’s role as a vocational institution committed to fostering food innovation based on local potential.
The event further affirmed Polije’s dedication to supporting the sustainability of the fisheries and agricultural processing sectors, preparing students to compete in the workforce or pursue entrepreneurship independently.