On Tuesday, 25 February 2025, the National Chamber of Agriculture (NCA), the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) held a Specified Skill Worker (SSW) Socialization and Consultation on Working in the Japanese Agricultural Sector which took place at the Prof. Hardjono Danoesastro Auditorium, UGM Faculty of Agriculture. This activity was intended to attract the enthusiasm of participants who were interested in working in the agricultural sector, especially in Japan.

The seminar was opened with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D. who expressed his hopes for the event.

“I advise young people who will apply to work in Japan, this is a fortune. Because there are several things that can be learned, namely honesty, discipline, responsibility, and hard work. So it is hoped that they can apply these things better and be useful for the nation and state,” said the Dean.

This socialization also presented representatives of agricultural sector agencies, namely Shin Kurotani from the National Chamber of Agriculture (NCA), Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia, Dr. Ir Siti Munifah, M.Si and Dr. Bambang Sudarmanto, S.Pt, M.P. as Director of the Yogyakarta Magelang Agricultural Development Polytechnic.

This event is an important factor for the sustainability of the agricultural sector for the development of superior human resources in order to open up to cooperation with various countries, one of which is Japan. Especially for the regeneration of agricultural actors, with 60% of the productive population in Indonesia who must be given broad opportunities to develop the Agricultural Sector in Indonesia.

This socialization not only provides new insights, but also great opportunities for participants who want to contribute to the Indonesian agricultural sector. The presentation of materials on the young farmer sending program in Japan, scholarships to continue studying in Japan, individual consultation sessions with Japanese Companies, as well as the introduction profile of agricultural entrepreneurs and the One Organization Job Training Institute are expected to inspire participants to contribute significantly to the Indonesian Agricultural Sector.

Through this activity, Faperta UGM shows its commitment to achieving the the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Melvinna Rafida

Editor: Desi Utami

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), through the Media and Information Systems Unit, recently held a public speaking workshop aimed at enhancing students’ understanding and skills in speaking in public. Public speaking, which is one of the essential hard skills for the future, both in the workplace and in academic journeys, was taught through practical sessions designed to simulate real-life scenarios that students might encounter.

This workshop featured Havidah Tria Yunita (Agricultural Extension and Communication 2021), a 2024 Cultural Ambassador of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). Tria shared that her ability to speak confidently in public is the result of a long process, coupled with the courage to try.

“I was able to develop my public speaking skills through a long learning process. In addition to studying the theory, I also pushed myself to apply the theory in practice, such as by becoming a moderator, MC, and more,” said Tria.

During her presentation and practical guidance, Tria shared several key elements of public speaking that the 20 participants could learn. These key points included taking a moment to pause when thinking about what to say, making eye contact, and adjusting the tone of voice to suit the topic being discussed. She emphasized to the participants that public speaking skills must be honed through continuous practice to build confidence.

The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation at the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who also attended the workshop on Tuesday, 12 October 2024, highlighted the importance of having the willingness to upgrade oneself as preparation for both academic and professional success.

“I appreciate and fully support the activities initiated by the Media and Information Systems Unit, under the guidance of Dr. Desi Utami, the Head of the Unit. This activity will be very beneficial for students to explore and enhance their potential, serving as a foundation for success in their studies and future careers,” said Prof. Bejo, as he opened the workshop.

This public speaking training, as a preparation for a brighter future, serves as proof of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) has once again achieved a proud milestone with the graduation of three of its students as the fastest bachelor’s degree graduates during the commencement ceremony held on 20 November 2024. Sinta Sekar Larasarti, Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, and Zukhrifa Firdausa, all from the Agronomy study program, successfully completed their studies in just 3 years, 10 months, and 4 days.

Sinta Sekar Larasarti graduated as the fastest one among other graduates, earning a GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. Her thesis was titled “Sex Determination of Local Lampung Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seedlings Based on Male-Specific DNA Markers.” Sinta shared that her achievement was due to perseverance and determination. Her biggest challenge was the trial-and-error process in identifying the papaya’s sex. However, she did not let this obstacle stop her from graduating.

“Understand the purpose of your research, know your topic, set targets, make a schedule to stay organized, share difficulties with friends, and don’t hesitate to consult with your lecturers. For those who haven’t found a topic yet, ask your peers, lecturers, or partner farmers. And if you’re uncertain, don’t forget to seek support from your parents and loved ones,” Sinta advised.

Zirly Uswatun Khasanah, who graduated with a GPA of 3.51 out of 4.00, completed her thesis on “The Effect of Drying Techniques on Breaking Seed Dormancy in Melon (Cucumis melo L.).” She shared that the biggest challenge in her research was weather issues, such as rain, which delayed her schedule. Despite this, she encouraged students to maintain their health and avoid rushing through their thesis work.

“Don’t forget to take care of your health. Take your time with your thesis and always ask for your parents’ prayers because within every thesis, there are your parents’ prayers being realized,” Zirly said.

Meanwhile, Zukhrifa Firdausa graduated with a GPA of 3.62, with her research titled “Screening of Pandan Wangi Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings Based on the CnBADH2 Gene.” The biggest hurdle she faced was a lack of equipment at her research site, which slowed progress. However, she credited her achievement to staying consistent in working on her thesis.

“Keep working on it, seek support from family and relatives, and consult your lecturers frequently. Hopefully, the research goes smoothly. It’s okay to feel tired—just keep going and aim to finish,” said Zukhrifa.

Faperta UGM welcomes this achievement and hopes to continue motivating students to become outstanding graduates while contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM