The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), officially launched the Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture 2025 (SC-STA 2025) on Monday, 21 July 2025, held virtually via Zoom. Carrying the theme “The Journey of Coffee from Seed to Cup,” the program brought together 52 participants from diverse educational levels and professional backgrounds, both from Indonesia and abroad, including Gambia, Sudan, the Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan, India, Ghana, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

SC-STA 2025 represents a concrete step by Faperta UGM in supporting the internationalization of education and fostering cross-country collaboration. The program is designed to broaden participants’ understanding of sustainable tropical agriculture through theoretical learning and hands-on field practice, while also strengthening international academic networks.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized in his opening remarks that this year’s Summer Course specifically focuses on the practice of sustainable tropical agriculture by using coffee as a case study.

“This program is designed not only as an academic space but also as a valuable experience that encourages practical understanding of sustainable tropical agriculture,” he stated.

Jaka also encouraged all participants to actively engage throughout the program. “I invite students to not hesitate in asking questions, joining discussions, and building connections. This is the moment to expand your knowledge and turn it into a meaningful experience. I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable Summer Course,” he concluded.

The program runs for two weeks under two schemes: an online session from 21–25 July 2025, covering topics such as sustainable tropical agriculture, adaptive farming systems, integrated smallholder plantations, agricultural innovation, and socio-economic perspectives; followed by an offline session from 4–8 August 2025, which includes field visits to various coffee centers in Yogyakarta and Central Java.

The program also features speakers from various national and international institutions, including:

• Pattrawut Pusingha (University of York, UK)
• Manuel Boissiere (CIRAD, France)
• Cheng-I Hsieh (National Taiwan University, Taiwan)
• Sudaryanto, M.Si. (National Project Manager, Indonesia)
• Irfan Dwidya Prijambada (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)
• Elida Novita (National Chairman & Chief of Java Ijen Coffee Section – Universitas Jember, Indonesia)
• Tofael Ahamed (University of Tsukuba, Japan)
• Retno Hulupi (Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute)
• Sastia Prama Putri (Osaka University, Japan)
• Dyah Woro Untari, S.P., M.P. (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)
• Maria Victoria Espaldon (University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines)

Through an interdisciplinary approach, participants are invited to explore the challenges and solutions in coffee production as well as sustainability principles relevant to tropical agriculture. SC-STA 2025 also directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Authors: Agrit Kirana Bunda, Anin Dita Rahmadiyanti

Editor: Desi Utami

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

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