The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), in collaboration with PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (PT SGN), has officially launched the Sugar Cane Learning Center-Corner (SCLC-Corner). The event was attended by Ir. Jaka Widada M.P., Ph.D., Dean of the Faperta UGM, Mr. Mahmudi, President Director of PT SGN, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Irham, M.Sc., Chairman of the Senate at the Faculty of Agriculture.
The launch marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s efforts toward achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. It also follows the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Tata Kelola Tebu Rakyat sebagai Upaya Penguatan Supply Bahan Baku Menuju Swasembada Gula Nasional 2028” held earlier on 2 July 2024.
The inauguration ceremony was symbolized by a ribbon-cutting by the three distinguished figures, reinforcing the collaboration and strong commitment between UGM and PT SGN in advancing the learning center.
In addition to the launch, the event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UGM and PT SGN, formalizing their collaboration in education, research, and community service. The MoU was signed by the Dean and the President Director of PT SGN.
“This is the first step toward creating better cohesion between the academic world and the sugar industry, leveraging the strengths of Faperta UGM. This collaboration is a response to the future challenges facing the sugar industry, which will undoubtedly become more complex and require joint attention. It is a manifestation of our strong commitment to supporting the sugar industry,” said Mahmudi.
The SCLC-Corner is expected to be a hub for the development of knowledge and technology in the plantation sector, especially sugarcane. It is also envisioned as a platform for collaboration and a comfortable space for learning.
“This is a bridge between industry and education. We (universities) can produce graduates who are aligned with industry needs, including in the sugar sector. It can also serve as a research and development center for the industry, fostering effective and efficient technological advancements through the use of digitalization, IoT, AI, and more, so that these technologies can benefit the industrial world,” explained Jaka.
“I believe that the SCLC-Corner will also become a hub for engineering and technology development in Indonesia’s sugar industry,” added Prof. Irham.
The collaboration between Faperta UGM and PT SGN also contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Reporter: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami