As climate change intensifies and global food demand rises, the future of agriculture faces mounting challenges. Then, how can countries with vastly different climates, like Australia and Indonesia, sustain their agricultural productivity while ensuring long-term food security? This question took centre stage at the Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) x Central Queensland University (CQU) Guest Lecture, where experts from both nations shared insights on protecting and growing agriculture for Australia’s and Indonesia’s success.
On Monday, 24 February 2025, Faperta UGM hosted a guest lecture in collaboration with Central Queensland University (CQU), featuring Saba Sinai Mameghany from CQU, Australia, and Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D. from UGM. Held in the Venture Room, Agrotropical Learning Centre (AGLC) Building, the session focused on Protecting and Growing Australian Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia: Facts and Challenges. This guest lecture was attended by 40 students, including 8 International Undergraduate Class (IUC) students, 9 students from CQU, and students from several faculties at UGM.
The session opened with remarks highlighting the importance of agricultural sustainability and resilience in both Australia and Indonesia. With agriculture being a vital sector in both nations, addressing climate change, land use, and biosecurity challenges is essential for long-term food security and economic stability. Saba, specializing in agricultural development, sustainability, animal health, and the role of agriculture in policy, security, and international resilience, presented an overview of Australian agriculture, emphasizing its diverse climatic zones and land-use patterns. He explained how agriculture gives high state revenue to Australia’s economy, benefiting industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and education. He also underscored the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in food crops and livestock, citing threats like citrus diseases and Panama disease in bananas. Strengthening trade relations with Indonesia, particularly through free trade agreements and comprehensive partnerships, was also highlighted as a key opportunity.
In his session, Saba highlighted the strong trade relationship between Australia and Indonesia, not only in agriculture but also in non-agricultural sectors such as cement, electronics, and textiles. He emphasized that Indonesia exports raw materials to Australia, while Australia exports agricultural and livestock products like meat, cotton, sugar, and cattle.
“We need to think about the next step in the future, not only how we develop a new product, but also think about where the region is to be expanded” Saba said. He also noted that Indonesia has opportunity to export high-quality raw materials to Australia, adding value to its exports.
The guest lecture concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants engaged in Q&A sessions on topics such as climate adaptation strategies in both nations and international agricultural cooperation.
The lecture highlights Faperta UGM’s commitment not only reinforced the importance of sustainable agriculture but also aligned to achieve SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
This collaborative session between UGM and CQU provided valuable perspectives on the future of agriculture in both nations, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships as key drivers of agricultural progress.
Author: Hanif Falah Nasrulloh
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta