Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) facilitates seven students in AIMS program, one of them is Koko Nomura, a PhD student from the Department of Regional Agriculture Regional Symbiosis Course, Ibaraki University, Japan. She stated that she was driven by her curiosity to learn about the main course she interested in, that is related to annual crop in Indonesia, especially paddy.
Koko explained, she chose Gadjah Mada University because it has various faculties, so that he thought it will provide a nice environment for her to enhance her communication skills among others. In addition, she also showed her biggest motivation to learn at Faculty of Agriculture UGM because she can learn about non tilling way of crops growing way.
The most impactful and fascinating experience was a visit to an organic farm in Indonesia. Koko, who specializing in sustainable agriculture, said that it was important to explore how Indonesia approaches environmental conservation agriculture, not just in theory but in practice. For her, this visit offered a hands-on opportunity to observe and engage directly with the principles of organic farming. The farm, named AgroMulya, is operated by an alumnus of Faculty of Agriculture UGM, showcasing a direct connection between academic learning and practical application in the field. The visit to AgroMulya took place in October during the AIMS program at UGM, which runs from August to December as a one-semester program.
“Life at UGM would not be the same without the warmth and kindness of Indonesian friends. Their unwavering support and genuine hospitality created a welcoming environment. Academically, collaboration with classmates in the discussion rooms fostered a productive and engaging learning experience,” Koko said.
Koko added, her experience highlighted the importance of combining academic knowledge with real-world applications to create meaningful impacts in sustainable agriculture. It reinforced the value of fostering community connections and promoting environmental stewardship through innovative agricultural practices. This story aligns with the faculty’s commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Hanita Athasari Zain
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Koko’s documentation