UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Muhammad Cesar Briliandi, an alumnus of the Aquaculture Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), 东京热 (UNAIR), is now playing a significant role in the marine science field. The 2016 UNAIR graduate currently works as a Marine Biologist at Sub-Oceanic, Le M茅ridien Maldives Resort & Spa, under the management of the global hotel network Marriott International.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Briliandi continued pursuing higher education by obtaining a master鈥檚 scholarship at National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), one of Asia鈥檚 leading institutions in marine studies. The international academic experience broadened his expertise in aquatic resource management and marine conservation while strengthening his professional competence as a marine scientist. The combination of his aquaculture foundation from UNAIR and advanced studies at NTOU became an important foundation for his current strategic role as a marine biologist in the Maldives.
UNAIR as place that shaped his character
Briliandi explained that one of the most memorable experiences during his university years was facing an examination he referred to as the jedogtest. According to him, the test trained students to develop discipline, manage limited time effectively, and understand that success largely depends on personal commitment and perseverance.
鈥淭hrough that process, I learned that discipline and the ability to work under pressure are inseparable skills in the professional world, whether in laboratories, fieldwork, or multicultural work environments like the one I face today,鈥 he said.
For Briliandi, the skills he gained at university extended beyond technical knowledge in aquaculture. He also developed the character of an independent and adaptable learner. He emphasized that independence is essential and that failure itself is a valuable part of the learning process.
Engaging in professional community
In his role as a marine biologist, Briliandi is part of a professional community that focuses not only on marine tourism operations but also on research activities and guest-oriented scientific programs. Marine biologists at his workplace serve dual roles: as scientists with expertise in marine ecology and as communicators who bridge scientific knowledge with visitors鈥 tourism experiences. This position places Briliandi not only behind the scenes but also as a scientific representative introducing the importance of marine conservation to an international audience.
On a daily basis, Briliandi works with a team of approximately 15 people within a resort ecosystem that employs around 300 staff members in total. In this environment, he contributes to designing and implementing educational programs that encourage guests to understand, respect, and protect marine ecosystems and the surrounding environment.
One of the key impacts of his work has been increasing visitor awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy oceans and coral reef ecosystems. 鈥淭hrough educational tourism programs, we invite visitors to appreciate the beauty of the underwater world while also understanding the threats it faces, ranging from coral reef degradation to marine debris carried by ocean currents,鈥 he explained.
In the Maldives, these efforts align closely with government-led conservation initiatives and are supported by coral conservation organizations dedicated to preserving reef health and sustainability.
Scientific relevance
The knowledge Briliandi gained in aquatic biology, ecology, and aquatic organism management during his studies has become an essential foundation for understanding the marine ecosystem dynamics in his current workplace. Nevertheless, he emphasized that beyond academic expertise, a willingness to continue learning and the ability to understand different personalities are the most important qualities for maximizing one鈥檚 role as a marine biologist in a multicultural environment. According to him, scientific knowledge can always be updated, but the willingness to learn and adapt must be continuously maintained.
His contributions extend beyond the institution where he works and reach the broader public through the educational initiatives he conducts. Through various educational tourism programs, Briliandi helps foster awareness that the ocean is not merely a tourist destination, but a living system that must be protected. By introducing environmental awareness from an early age, especially to children participating in the resort鈥檚 kids club programs, he hopes future generations will develop stronger emotional connections and moral responsibility toward marine ecosystems.
For Briliandi personally, the most rewarding aspect of his work is his close connection to nature and the opportunity to build relationships with people from around the world. At this stage of his career, his role as an alumnus is measured not only by personal achievements, but also by how far he can bring the values and knowledge of aquaculture onto the global stage and make them relevant in the context of conservation and education.
Author: Luthfiana Aprilianita
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
