Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Nezar Patria, delivered a keynote speech at the 2025 PPSMB Pionir Organik Motivation Seminar held by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium. The seminar, themed “Collaboration of Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Agro-Maritime Transformation”, highlighted the importance of digital technology and AI mastery for the next generation of agricultural leaders in Indonesia.

The event was attended by 635 Amarta Muda, the official designation for new students of Faperta UGM, who were welcomed into nine academic programs: Agronomy, Aquaculture, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Soil Science, Aquatic Resource Management, Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Extension and Communication, Plant Protection, and Fishery Product Technology.

In his presentation, Nezar emphasized the significant contribution of the agricultural sector to Indonesia’s economy, amounting to Rp2,617 trillion or 12.53% of the national GDP. However, he also pointed out the sector’s ongoing challenges, particularly in food insecurity, limited digital adoption, and low exposure to AI technologies.

“Currently, the exposure of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors to AI stands at only 1.34%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for all of us, especially agriculture students who will be the key drivers of future transformation,” Nezar stated.

He highlighted the vast potential of AI to enhance agricultural efficiency and productivity through various use cases, including market digitalization, precision farming and fishing, digital financing, smart resource monitoring and management, climate resilience, and supply chain optimization.

Despite its promise, AI implementation in developing countries like Indonesia faces serious obstacles, such as limited digital infrastructure, lack of private sector collaboration for innovation, data governance and security issues, and uneven distribution of digital talent. Nezar stressed the need for cross-sector synergy, among government, industry, academia, and communities, to build an inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystem.

“Indonesia will need 9 million digital talents in the near future. Agriculture students must be part of the solution. It’s not enough to rely on theory, you must equip yourselves with digital skills and a strong understanding of tech ethics,” he added.

Nezar also shared several initiatives led by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, including expanding internet access to 3T regions (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas), developing 5G technology and the SATRIA satellite, and launching programs such as the Digital Talent Scholarship and Digital Leadership Academy, along with the formulation of a national AI roadmap.

In closing, Nezar encouraged Faperta UGM’s new students to actively engage in agro-maritime transformation through technological mastery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a spirit of innovation to achieve inclusive and sustainable agriculture.

This seminar was a key part of the 2025 PPSMB Pionir Organik orientation series, designed not only to introduce campus life but also to equip new students with strategic insights to address national and global agricultural challenges.

The event also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami

Lentera DESA UGM took part in enlivening the Jogja Benih Expo 2025 by opening a booth in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The two-day event, held on August 6–7, 2025, at the Gading Production Unit of BP3MBTP Yogyakarta, successfully attracted a wide range of visitors, from farmers to food security enthusiasts.

The expo was attended by prominent figures such as Titiek Soeharto, Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), and KGPAA Paku Alam X, Vice Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Their presence brought encouragement and motivation to both participants and visitors. In her speech, Titiek Soeharto emphasized the importance of seed quality as a key factor in achieving national food self-sufficiency.

“Food self-sufficiency cannot be achieved without quality seeds,” she stated, highlighting the critical role of seeds in food security. Visitors who came to the Lentera DESA booth not only received information about its programs and innovations but also actively participated in training sessions conducted by the Lentera DESA team. The high level of enthusiasm was evident from the large number of attendees who joined the workshops and took part in various engaging activities, including interactive games, door prizes, and special giveaways prepared for the visitors.

Jogja Benih Expo 2025 served as a vital moment for stakeholders to collaborate and continue advancing agriculture in Indonesia, while ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds as the foundation of national food resilience.

Lentera DESA UGM’s participation in the Jogja Benih Expo 2025 is a tangible contribution from the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) to the community, particularly in supporting sustainable agricultural development and national food security. Through this event, Lentera DESA aims to strengthen networks and raise public awareness about the importance of superior seeds and innovation in the agricultural sector.

This initiative also reflects Faperta UGM’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Rani Nur Rochim
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Lentera DESA

The 2025 Pionir Organik orientation series at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), brought vibrant energy to campus with the Tour de Faculty event held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Designed as an introductory activity for the incoming class of 2025, the event was a collaborative effort between the Pionir Organik committee, Department Student Associations (HMD), and Semi-Autonomous Bodies (BSI) within the faculty.

The HMD organizations at Faperta UGM include IMAGRO (Agronomy Student Association), KMSEP (Agricultural Socio-Economics Student Family), PERMAHAMI (Microbiology Student Association), IMHPT (Plant Pests and Diseases Student Association), KMIT (Soil Science Student Family), and KMIP (Fisheries Science Student Family), each representing students based on their academic disciplines. Meanwhile, the BSI includes BEM KM Faperta UGM (Student Executive Board), MPM KM Faperta UGM (Student Representative Council), KAB (Agromina Bahari Clinic), Sansekerta (Faculty Art Studio), Plantagama (Nature Enthusiasts Organization), Hollidjon (Hardjono Danoesastro Supporters), BPPM Primordia (Student Press Organization), KMMP (Muslim Student Family), PMK (Christian Student Fellowship), and KMK (Catholic Student Family). These organizations serve as platforms for students to develop interests, talents, leadership skills, and spiritual and social values.

Tour de Faculty was a key moment for student organizations to introduce their roles and activities directly to the new students, known as Amarta Muda. Adyatma Tunjung Raharjo (Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness 2023), General Coordinator of Pionir Organik 2025, explained that the event was not only about exploring the campus buildings and environment but also about fostering connections and encouraging new students to get involved in student life.

“The main goal of Tour de Faculty is to help Amarta Muda get to know the Faculty of Agriculture’s environment. They are guided through 15 stations representing key landmarks and buildings across the faculty. The second goal is to introduce student organizations, six HMDs and eight BSIs, plus one game station. Through this activity, we hope new students gain a better understanding of the faculty and its student organizations,” Adyatma explained.

The synergy between the Pionir Organik committee, HMDs, and BSIs reflects a strong collective commitment to welcoming the new generation of Faperta UGM’s academic community. More than just an orientation, Tour de Faculty is a strategic step toward fostering inclusive and adaptive learning for new students.

This initiative also aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami