Food security remains a critical issue in Indonesia, heavily reliant on a deep understanding of plant pathology—a field focused on diagnosing and managing plant diseases, especially in essential crops. The Haryono Semangun Award (HSA) 2024, themed “Plant Pathology as the Foundation for Food Security in the Era 5.0”, aims to introduce plant pathology to a broader audience. The event honors the late Prof. Dr. Ir. Haryono Semangun, an esteemed Professor of Plant Pathology at UGM, whose contributions to the field remain an enduring inspiration.
Alden Kaia Gantari, a 2022 student from the Department of Plant Protection and Chair of HSA 2024, highlighted that this event is part of the External Network Department’s agenda under the Plant Pests and Diseases Student Association (IMHPT). With meticulous preparation over two to three months, HSA 2024 officially commenced on September 28, 2024, with an opening ceremony held at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
“The opening ceremony featured a National Symposium, organized in collaboration with the Indonesian Phytopathological Society (PFI), with expert speakers including Muhammad Basuki, S.P., MMP., from PT Great Giant Pineapple, and Dr. Sri Widyaningsih, S.P., M.P., a researcher from BRIN,” Alden explained.
The event buzzed with various competitions open to high school students, university students, and the general public. Highlights included a quiz competition featuring 12 high school teams from across Indonesia, a photography contest with 22 participants from universities, high schools, and the public, a debate tournament with 10 teams from Universitas Brawijaya, IPB University, UGM, Stiper Agricultural Institute, and Universitas Sebelas Maret, and a scientific poster competition.
Alden emphasized that the success of HSA 2024 was made possible through the unwavering support and guidance of the faculty. Dr. Adyatma Irawan Santosa, S.P., M.Sc., advisor to IMHPT, and Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, played pivotal roles in ensuring the event’s smooth execution.
The grand finale, set for 13 October 2024, will mark the conclusion of this extensive program. Alden expressed hope that HSA 2024 will leave a lasting impact, showcasing plant pathology as a viable solution to addressing food security challenges.
The Haryono Semangun Award 2024 demonstrates UGM’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Written by: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Edited by: Desi Utami
Photo: HSA 2024 Committee Documentation