International research collaboration offers more than access to a new laboratory and a new set of equipment. It’s also a chance to see how far an idea travels outside the institution where it started. Khon Kaen University in Thailand turned out to be a good place to test that, both academically and personally.

From January 19 to May 18, 2026 I carried out part of my undergraduate thesis research at Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, representing the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The research looked at how roasting conditions affect the functional properties of Wolffia spp., a freshwater plant often described as among the smallest flowering plants on Earth and was carried out under the joint supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Djagal Wiseso Marseno at UGM and Asst. Prof. Peerapong Wongthahan at KKU’s Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technology. The placement was supported by research funding from the Office of International Affairs (OIA), UGM.

Academic Activities
Most of my working hours were split across several labs under KKU’s Faculty of Technology the Food Processing Laboratory, the Pilot Plant Facility, the Food Microbiology Laboratory, and the Food Engineering Research Center, running a 3×3 factorial roasting experiment (three temperatures, three roasting times) on fresh Wolffia spp. Each roasted sample was then analysed for colour, water solubility and absorption, proximate composition, water activity, antioxidant activity, and taste profile using an electronic tongue. The best-performing condition, 160°C for 10 minutes, became the basis for a roasted, powdered beverage concept I named “Hoji-Pham,” inspired by Japanese hojicha. Working alongside Asst. Prof. Peerapong Wongthahan and his lab group also gave me a closer look at how food research gets done in a different academic system.

Non-Academic Activities
Outside the lab, Khon Kaen kept me fairly busy too. I went to the International Food Festival organised by TE KKU, the Isan Agricultural Fair 2026, and the Jubilee Night Market, and made a habit of jogging around KKU’s campus. My supervisor and a few of the master’s students also walked me around the campus and the surrounding area. A couple of milestones happened along the way I celebrated Eid al-Fitr abroad for the first time, and was in Thailand for Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration. My supervisor and the research team also brought me on a trip to Rayong, and Aj. Nim the supervisor of my fellow UGM student Geronimo, who was doing his own research at KKU at the same time took us to a temple and around some local food spots. Before flying back to Indonesia, I also fit in a short trip to Bangkok.

Benefit
Academically, this placement meant learning new techniques on the spot. Electronic tongue profiling, in particular, was new to me and explaining my experimental choices to a research group outside my usual circle at UGM. Getting feedback from a different research culture pushed the final thesis in directions I don’t think it would have reached otherwise. Settling into a new lab and a new country at the same time took some adjustment, especially around language. Having a Thai mentor made a real difference — for lab conventions, everyday logistics, and the Thai-language conversations I couldn’t quite manage in English on my own. Three months was also long enough to get a feel for daily life in Khon Kaen beyond the lab. The food, the festivals, the general pace of things. Celebrating Eid so far from home for the first time, and being there for Songkran, are two moments from this trip I expect to remember for a long time. I’m also leaving with a working relationship with KKU’s Department of Food Technology that I hope continues beyond this one thesis, Asst. Prof. Peerapong Wongthahan and his research group were generous with their time and equipment throughout.

Closing
Looking back, this placement at KKU shaped both my thesis and a good part of how I think about doing research generally. I’d encourage anyone in TPHP considering a research exchange to take the opportunity seriously. The adjustment takes some effort, but what comes back with you is worth it. I would like to convey my gratitude for “Hibah Pertukaran Mahasiswa Internasional untuk Inbound dan Outbound (Skema EQUITY) tahun 2025/2026 Tahap 2” for supporting my exchange activities.

Written and Reported by: Nabil Amali Subandi

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially closed its two-day PIONIR Agrophoria 2026 orientation program on Wednesday (6/8), at Kamarijani Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM. Over the course of the event, incoming students were introduced to university life through sessions on UGM’s core values, academic culture, character development, and the range of competencies needed to support their learning and personal growth throughout their studies at FTP UGM.

Dean of FTP UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., described Agrophoria as a pivotal first step for new students, both in getting to know the campus and in absorbing the values that will guide them throughout their time as university students. “Of course, beyond introducing students to campus life, this Agrophoria program is also about introducing UGM’s core values, academic culture, and the spirit of learning, as well as equipping them to grow in higher education going forward,” said the Dean of FTP UGM.

The Dean also encouraged new students to carry the “Four C” with them throughout their academic journey: creativity, competence, character, and compassion. Creativity, she explained, is the capacity to keep generating innovation; competence calls for continuously sharpening one’s skills and developing personal potential; character is expressed through honesty and a sense of responsibility; while compassion drives students to care for others and work collaboratively. Together, these four values are intended to form the foundation for FTP UGM graduates who are not only academically excellent but also hold strong integrity and social awareness.

That spirit carried through the second day of PIONIR Agrophoria 2026, which offered new students a mix of inspiration and hands-on learning. Participants took part in a Student Achievement Talkshow as well as the Cultivating Agrotechnovation Talkshow, themed “Synthetic Food Innovation and Natural Resource Efficiency for a Sustainable Future.” Students also joined a Focus Group Discussion on Resilience Food Strategy to sharpen their critical thinking and teamwork skills, and completed a “Build My Path” mind-mapping exercise to chart their personal development plans for their four years of study at FTP UGM.

Beyond academic preparation, new students were given a closer look at campus life through the Student Organization Expo, which brought together the various student associations and interest units active within FTP UGM. The expo gave participants the chance to explore different avenues for developing their interests and talents, including a hands-on rock-climbing activity at the booth of Gitapala, FTP UGM’s student mountaineering and nature-exploration club, carried out under close supervision and established safety procedures. The activity offered new students an early opportunity to identify where they might channel their energy and interests during campus life.

The PIONIR Agrophoria 2026 series concluded with a spirited parade of all participant groups, symbolizing the unity of this year’s cohort of “Agrotech Muda” (Young Agrotechnologists). The atmosphere was further energized by the presence of Ultras Tractor, FTP UGM’s student supporter group, whose enthusiasm helped close out the event on a high note. The program was then formally declared closed, marking the end of this year’s new student orientation series. Festivities continued with a performance by PSTP Band (Paguyuban Seni Teknologi Pertanian, the Faculty’s agricultural technology arts community), which invited all participants to sing along together as a closing highlight of the event.

Through PIONIR Agrophoria 2026, FTP UGM hopes its new students will be able to adapt smoothly to university life, develop their academic and non-academic potential in a balanced way, and grow into creative, competent Agrotech Muda who hold strong integrity and a genuine sense of care ready to contribute to Indonesia’s agricultural development and food security.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the character-building and competency development provided to new students; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, through the strengthening of academic culture and integrity values; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration among faculty leadership, lecturers, education staff, student organizations, and students in creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

Contributor : Bernadetta Shella

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), strengthened collaboration with the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Semarang City through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) and a Self-Managed Cooperation Contract, followed by a follow-up discussion on the “Study on the Development Potential of Urban Gastronomy in Semarang City,” held on Wednesday (5/8) at the Operation Room, FTP UGM. The collaboration marks an initial step toward a research-based study aimed at strengthening Semarang’s flagship culinary products as part of the city’s branding strategy and creative-economy development.

In the discussion, Head of BRIDA Semarang City, Dr. Bagus Irawan, S.T., M.T., M.Eng., described gastronomy development as a strategic effort supporting the strengthening of branding for Semarang City’s flagship products in order to accelerate the growth of the creative economy. In addition, Asdani Kindarto, S.Sos., M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of the Research and Development Division at BRIDA Semarang City, emphasized that developing gastronomy requires an approach that looks not only at culinary products, but also integrates cultural values that have so far remained scattered across various narratives. According to him, a strong gastronomic foundation will become an important asset in building the city’s identity. “Good diplomacy begins with the stomach. That’s why strengthening the culinary foundation will make it easier to achieve Semarang’s city-branding goals,” he said.

Responding to this point, Bambang Dwi Wijatniko explained that developing urban gastronomy requires standards capable of preserving both the identity and the quality of regional culinary products. He noted that the process should not stop at cataloguing traditional foods, but must also address food safety, marketing, and product sustainability. “Recipe standardization serves to reinforce a product’s identity. Alongside recipe variation, the key factors that must be addressed are sanitation, branding, and shelf life,” Bambang explained. 

He added that one of the requirements for a city to gain recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is to have at least three flagship culinary products, hold regular seminars, and produce annual reports on culinary product development and activities, noting that seminars and masterclasses are an important part of building a sustainable gastronomy ecosystem.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, Dean of FTP UGM, said the planned study would not only identify culinary potential but also produce scientific recommendations that local governments can use to formulate its gastronomy development strategy. The study will focus on co-creation value and existing conditions, culinary diversity as a marker of regional identity, and the history and cultural acculturation that have shaped Semarang’s culinary richness.

Input on the research approach was also offered by Dr. Dwi Larasatie Nur Fibri, who highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive survey instrument and applying analytical methods suited to processing data at a macro scale. She added that structured culinary documentation is an important step for strengthening the region’s gastronomic identity and raising public awareness of local culinary heritage.

Through this collaboration, FTP UGM, together with BRIDA and the Semarang City Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), hopes to produce a study that not only strengthens Semarang’s culinary identity but also serves as the basis for research-based policymaking in urban gastronomy development. The collaboration is expected to help boost the region’s competitiveness through the preservation of culinary heritage, the strengthening of the creative economy, and the development of gastronomy networks at both the national and international levels.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the strengthening of the city’s identity based on its culinary heritage; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through the development of a gastronomy-based creative economy; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between universities and local government in producing research-based policy.

Contributor : Bernadetta Shella

Building food sovereignty requires more than technological innovation alone, it also calls for human resources with integrity, care, and the ability to collaborate. With that spirit in mind, the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially opened PIONIR Agrophoria 2026 on Tuesday (5/8) at the Kamarijani Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM, under the theme “Nurturing Agrotechnology to Cultivate Food Sovereignty and Sustainable Future.” Over the two-day program, new students were introduced to the role of agrotechnology as the foundation for achieving food sovereignty while building a sustainable future.

Carrying the tagline “Berdaulat Pangan untuk Masa Depan, Kami Agrotech Muda” (Food Sovereignty for the Future, We Are the Young Agrotechnologists), PIONIR Agrophoria 2026 was designed not merely as an introduction to campus life, but as a space for shaping how new students think about food-related challenges from a broader perspective. Students were encouraged to become an adaptive, innovative generation capable of delivering science- and technology-based solutions for the food and agriculture sector.

In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., Dean of FTP UGM, emphasized that the university learning process should not stop at academic achievement alone, but should also produce graduates with strong curiosity who are able to bring real benefit to society. “I’d like to share a few simple messages. First, hold on to a strong sense of curiosity. Don’t study merely to earn grades, study to understand, to find solutions, and to create value for others,” she said.

The Dean added that the challenges students face throughout their studies must be met with strong time-management skills and solid character. “Coursework, student organizations, research, competitions, community service, and personal life all need to run in balance. Success is shaped not only by intelligence, but also by discipline and consistency,” she said.

The Dean also reminded students that integrity remains the foundation every UGM graduate must hold onto. “Build your character. Honesty, responsibility, mutual respect, and the ability to work together matter just as much as academic knowledge. Integrity is the most essential capital a UGM graduate can carry,” she stressed.

That spirit was carried through a series of activities designed to prepare new students for both academic life and the challenges they will face as future agricultural technology professionals. Alongside an introduction to the FTP UGM environment, students took part in a “Career Exploration: Future Me” session, a “Development Class: Discovering Growth in Every Process,” and facilitator-led sessions on academic integrity, time management, digital literacy, and personal development.

In line with the broader theme of PIONIR Agrophoria 2026, students also attended the “Cultivating Agrotechnovation” Talkshow, themed “Synthetic Food Innovation and Natural Resource Efficiency for a Sustainable Future.” The session explored how innovation in agricultural and food technology can help address challenges in food security, natural resource efficiency, and sustainable development. Students then deepened this understanding through a Focus Group Discussion on food security strategy and a personal-development mind-mapping exercise to prepare them for their four years of study ahead.

PIONIR Agrophoria 2026 was coordinated by Fashna Iftirosyana, a 2024 cohort student from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, who served as General Coordinator, together with Moh. Wahyudin, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who served as Group Coordinator. The opening ceremony was marked by the assembly of the Agrophoria logo puzzle and the lighting of an installation, symbolizing the start of new students’ journey as part of the FTP UGM family.

Through PIONIR Agrophoria 2026, FTP UGM hopes new students will not only become familiar with campus life, but will also embrace a vision as Agrotech Muda capable of integrating knowledge, innovation, and collaboration to help realize Indonesia’s food sovereignty and build a more sustainable future.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through a strengthened understanding of food security and sovereignty; SDG 4: Quality Education, through character building and orientation for new students; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the introduction of agrotechnological innovation; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration across the academic community in preparing the next generation to face global challenges.

Contributor : Bernadetta Shella

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Meeting and Gathering of Parents of New Students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Monday (3/8) at the Kamarijani Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM. The event was attended by faculty leadership, the Parents’ Association (POTM), and parents of new students, as an effort to introduce the academic environment while building synergy between the faculty and families to support students’ academic success. For the 2026/2027 academic year, FTP UGM welcomed 338 new students, comprising 113 students in the Agricultural Industrial Technology (TIP) study program, 105 students in the Agricultural Engineering (TEP) study program, and 120 students in the Food Technology and Agricultural Products (TPHP) study program.

In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., Dean of FTP UGM, expressed her appreciation to the parents who had entrusted their children’s education to FTP UGM. According to her, the university years mark the beginning of a process of character building, independence, and responsibility that will equip students to face future challenges. “I extend my congratulations and warm welcome, and thank you for the trust you have placed in us to accompany your children through their higher education,” said Eni.

She added that students would be entering a phase of life different from before, one in which they are required to learn to make decisions independently. “Until now they have relied on their families, so from today they will learn to become more independent, more responsible, and more mature in making decisions. Some new students will be living far from home for the first time, and Yogyakarta is known as a comfortable, student-friendly city  and the food is affordable too,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Confidence in FTP UGM was also expressed by Cahyo Hendro Atmoko, S.T.P., M.Sc., father of Attar Muhammad Nurul Karim, who spoke on behalf of the parents of new students. According to him, the quality of human resources at FTP UGM gave him confidence that students would receive optimal academic guidance throughout their studies. “As parents, we hope FTP UGM can help our children grow and become even better. It was also mentioned earlier that FTP has 18 professors, around 104 lecturers, and around 1,300 students. I think this ratio of roughly one lecturer for every ten students is very good, because it gives students the opportunity to interact and receive more intensive guidance from their lecturers,” he said.

As an initial foundation for parents in supporting their children through their studies, Prof. Dr. Yudi Pranoto, S.T.P., M.P., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FTP UGM, presented the academic system, student services, and the various mentoring programs students would receive. Through this session, parents gained an overview of the learning process, academic guidance, and the range of services available to support students’ development throughout their studies at FTP UGM.

Also present was Herman Wahyu Dwi Maelana, S.Pd., M.M., a board member of the FTP UGM Parents’ Association (POTM), who introduced POTM’s role as the faculty’s strategic partner in bridging communication between parents and the institution. Meanwhile, Erlangga Adi Setiawan, Chair of the FTP UGM Student Executive Board (BEM) for 2026, introduced student life at FTP UGM as a space for students to develop leadership, organizational skills, creativity, and networks. Information on academic administrative services was also presented by Agung Wijayanto, S.E., M.Acc., Head of the FTP UGM Administration Office, followed by presentations from each department covering their study program profiles, curricula, facilities, and the academic development opportunities available to students.

Through this event, FTP UGM hopes to build close communication and collaboration between the faculty, parents, and students from the very start of their studies. This synergy is expected to create a conducive learning environment that enables students to develop into excellent, principled, adaptive graduates who are ready to contribute to society.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of educational services and collaboration between the university and parents of students, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through synergy between the faculty, families, and the academic community in supporting students’ educational success.

Contributor: Bernadetta Shella Herdanti