Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (PT SGN), has officially launched the Sugar Cane Learning Centre (SCLC). The event was attended by Ir. Jaka Widada M.P., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM; Mr. Mahmudi, CEO of PT SGN; and Prof. Dr. Ir. Irham, M.Sc., Chair of Faculty Senate. This launch represents a significant milestone in the effort to achieve national sugar self-sufficiency.
The launch of SCLC is also a follow-up to the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Governance of Smallholder Sugar Cane as an Effort to Strengthen Raw Material Supply Towards National Sugar Self-Sufficiency 2028,” which took place on 2 July 2024.
The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, the CEO of PT SGN, and the Chair of the Faculty Senate. Their participation underscores the strong collaboration and commitment between both parties in advancing this learning centre.
In addition to the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, formalizing collaboration in education, research, and community service. The MoU was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM and the CEO of PT SGN.
“This is an initial step towards creating better cohesion between the academic world and the sugar industry, leveraging the strengths of UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture. This collaboration is a proactive measure to tackle future challenges in the sugar industry, which are becoming increasingly complex and require joint attention. It reflects the Faculty’s strong support and commitment to the sugar industry,” explained Mahmudi.
The SCLC is expected to serve as a centre for the advancement of knowledge and technology in plantation crops, particularly sugar cane. It is also anticipated to become a hub for collaboration and a conducive space for learning.
“This centre acts as a bridge between industry and education. We (universities) can produce graduates who meet the industry’s needs, such as in the sugar sector. It will also serve as a research and development hub for the industry, focusing on effective and efficient technology through digitalization, IoT, AI, and more, so that the technology developed can be utilized in the industry,” said Dr. Jaka.
“I believe SCLC will also become a key hub for technology engineering and the development of the national sugar industry,” added Prof. Irham.
The collaboration between Faculty of Agriculture UGM and PT SGN also supports the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3: Good health and well-being, SDG4: Quality education SDG9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure and SDG17: Partnerships for the goals.
Reporter: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photos: Media Faperta