The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), strengthened its international academic network through the signing of a Joint Supervision Agreement with the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, on Monday, (20/7) at FTP UGM. The agreement, signed by the Dean of FTP UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., together with Prof. Dr. Peter J. Punt, Professor at the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Leiden University, marks a step toward expanding collaboration in education, research, and human resource development.

This collaboration provides the basis for joint supervision of master’s students in the Master’s Study Program in Food Science and Technology, and also opens opportunities for cooperation in other areas, such as collaborative research, scientific publications, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions. The signing of the Joint Supervision Agreement began with remarks from the Dean of FTP UGM, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in supporting the implementation of the university’s tridharma, the three pillars of higher education: teaching, research, and community service. This collaboration is expected to be the starting point for the development of various joint programs, ranging from student supervision and collaborative research to the strengthening of academic networks between FTP UGM and Leiden University.

The series of activities continued with introductory sessions from the Department of Food Technology and Agricultural Products, the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, and the Department of Agricultural Industrial Technology. Each department presented its profile, areas of expertise, research focus, and potential collaboration opportunities that could be developed with Leiden University. The discussion also opened up opportunities for cross-disciplinary research synergy, in line with each institution’s respective strengths. The Head of the Department of Food Technology and Agricultural Products, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tyas Utami, M.Sc., welcomed the joint supervision arrangement now running within the Master’s Study Program in Food Science and Technology, and also spoke of broader collaboration opportunities, particularly for undergraduate students: “I sincerely hope that this collaboration can expand to include our undergraduate students, offering opportunities for research stays for their final projects, student exchanges, fast-track programs, and other initiatives currently running with our partners.” The Secretary of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, FTP UGM, Chandra Setyawan, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., introduced the laboratories within the department and welcomed collaboration opportunities with other institutions, both at Leiden University and within the department’s existing networks relevant to its field. The Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Industrial Technology, FTP UGM, Dr. Anggoro Cahyo Sukartiko, S.T.P., M.P., expressed hope that the collaboration would continue to grow and produce more academic partnerships in the future: “I hope this collaboration will continue to grow, particularly in the field of agricultural technology,” he said.

Through this collaboration, FTP UGM continues to strengthen its commitment to improving the quality of education and research through international collaboration. This activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of higher education and international academic supervision; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the development of collaborative research; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the strengthening of strategic partnerships between FTP UGM and Leiden University.

Contributor : Bernadetta Shella 

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Guest Lecture and Coffee Chat with Students titled the Empower Youth for Food (EY4F) Campaign on Thursday (9/7) at FTP UGM campus, featured four master’s students from Erasmus University Rotterdam who are part of an International Research Project: Maaike van Rijs, Floor Vriesman, Daan Houweling, and Leon Biesbroeck. Through interactive discussion, the event served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the role of young people in building a more sustainable food system, while also strengthening international academic collaboration. 

Carrying the theme Empower Youth for Food, the event encouraged students to examine the various challenges facing the global food system from a broader perspective. The discussion covered the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as ways to develop solutions to various issues in the agriculture and food sector. The presence of students from Erasmus University Rotterdam also gave participants the opportunity to learn about experiences, approaches, and practices developing at the international level.

The coffee chat session took place in a warm and interactive atmosphere. FTP UGM students had the opportunity to engage directly in dialogue on a range of issues, from innovation in the food system and entrepreneurship development opportunities to the importance of young people’s involvement in supporting the transformation towards a sustainable food system. The interaction also served as a space to expand academic networks and build cross-cultural understanding among participants.

Through this event, FTP UGM continues to strengthen it’s commitment to fostering a globally oriented learning environment. Collaboration with international students is expected not only to enrich students’ academic perspectives, but also to open up opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and community service that can create real impact for the development of the agriculture and food sectors.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through learning grounded in international collaboration; SDG 2 Zero Hunger, through strengthening young people’s capacity to support a sustainable food system; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the development of academic networks and collaboration between FTP UGM and international partner.

Contributor: Bernadetta Shella

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Human Resource Development Training titled “The Power of Working with Emotional Intelligence & Creative Problem Solving” on Monday (6/7) at the Kamarijani Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM. the training, part of the series of event marking FTP UGM’s 63rd DIes Natalis, featured Prof. Dra. Kwartarini Wahyu Yuniarti,M.Med.Sc.,Ph.D., Psychologist, lecturers and education staff were encouraged to strengthen their emotional intelligence and creative problem solving skills to help build a healthy, adaptive, and productive work environment.

The Chair of the FTP UGM 63rd Dies Natalis Committee, Dr.Novita Erma Kristanti,S.T.P.,M.P., said the training was held as a part of a broader effort in human resource development that focuses not only on improving competence, but also on self-actualization. According to her, emotional intelligence is an essential asset in facing various workplace challenges, including the dynamics of change and demands for efficiency, and she hoped all participants would engage fully in the training and gain benefits that would support their daily work.

Meanwhile, the Vice Dean for Finance, Human Resources, Assets, and Information System, FTP UGM, Prof,Dr. Kuncoro Harto Widodo, S.T.P., M.Eng., expressed hope that the training would improve the academic community’s ability to manage emotional challenges. He also emphasized the importance of synergy among human resource as an asset for continuing to drive FTP UGM’s progress.

Contributor: Bernadetta Shella

From August 5 to 14, 2024, Universitas Jember hosted the Summer Course of Coffee 2024, a collaborative program involving various international institutions, including the University of California Davis (UC Davis) and the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI). This program was designed to explore the potential of Indonesian coffee, particularly in the Jember region, and to strengthen the relationship between academics and practitioners in the coffee industry.

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada sent one of its graduate students in Plantation Products Technology, Rachma Widya Puspita, to participate in this international summer course on coffee. In addition, Universitas Gadjah Mada also sent Dr. Widiastuti Setyaningsih as a mentor for this event, demonstrating UGM’s commitment to supporting academic development and international collaboration.

Opening Ceremony and Educational Visits The activities began with an opening ceremony on August 5, 2024, attended by the Vice Rector of Universitas Jember and representatives from UC Davis. The participants were invited to visit various top facilities at Universitas Jember, including the Center for Development of Advanced Sciences and Technology (CDAST) and Agrotechnopark, where they were introduced to modern agricultural technology and practices applied in coffee and other crop development.

From August 5 to 14, 2024, Universitas Jember hosted the Summer Course of Coffee 2024, a collaborative program involving various international institutions, including the University of California Davis (UC Davis) and the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI). This program was designed to explore the potential of Indonesian coffee, particularly in the Jember region, and to strengthen the relationship between academics and practitioners in the coffee industry.

The Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada sent one of its graduate students in Plantation Products Technology, Rachma Widya Puspita, to participate in this international summer course on coffee. In addition, Universitas Gadjah Mada also sent Dr. Widiastuti Setyaningsih as a mentor for this event, demonstrating UGM’s commitment to supporting academic development and international collaboration.

Opening Ceremony and Educational Visits The activities began with an opening ceremony on August 5, 2024, attended by the Vice Rector of Universitas Jember and representatives from UC Davis. The participants were invited to visit various top facilities at Universitas Jember, including the Center for Development of Advanced Sciences and Technology (CDAST) and Agrotechnopark, where they were introduced to modern agricultural technology and practices applied in coffee and other crop development.

Conclusion The Summer Course of Coffee 2024 successfully combined education, research, and practical experience, enriching the participants’ understanding of the coffee industry. Through this international collaboration, Universitas Jember not only strengthened its position as a center of excellence in coffee research but also played an active role in supporting the sustainability and welfare of the coffee farming community in Indonesia. UGM’s participation, both through its mentor and students, is a testament to its commitment to academic development and synergy between educational institutions.

contributor : Rachma Widya Puspita

The field trip began with students boarding two buses. Our first stop was near Selopamioro to pick up snacks, which included sweet potatoes, krupuk-like snacks made from potatoes, pudding, and a type of bread with cheese. The variety of flavors was interesting, and the iced tea was refreshing.

After enjoying the beautiful scenic views of Bantul along with our snacks, we arrived at the main crop fields. There, we saw farmers and vast fields ready for planting seeds. We were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of participants from Groups 1, 3, and 5, while Group 2 included those from Groups 2, 4, and 6. Each group was guided by a local farmer to plant onions.

The land was in good condition, and we were instructed to plant eight onions in a single line, leaving about 10 centimeters between each one. It was a fascinating experience, and we bonded well while learning words from different languages. One interesting aspect of the local culture was their practice of sharing water ponds and farming tools.

We also observed the water reserves, where rainwater collected from higher elevations is used for farming. The system can be utilized during dry spells, thanks to an IoT-based rain calculation system installed by FTP UGM. This system helps farmers predict rainfall adequacy for crops and manage irrigation efficiently. While gravity mainly transports water, diesel pumps are gradually being replaced by electric ones to reduce costs. Previously, farmers could only harvest once a year, but now, with these practices, they can cultivate paddy and tobacco twice a year.

During the field trip, an interview was conducted with Pak Tuh Gimin, a local farmer. Pak Tuh Gimin has three children, all of whom are married and also work as farmers. His farming group manages a total of 120 hectares of land, which is divided among the members, with each receiving around 1,000 square meters, though the exact amount can vary.

According to Pak Tuh Gimin, the farming schedule is as follows:

• September, October, November: Vegetable season (“sayur”).
• January, February, March, April: Paddy season.
• April, May, June: Red onion (“bawang merah”) season.

This seasonal rotation allows the farmers to maximize the productivity of their land throughout the year.

After leaving the farm with wonderful memories, we arrived at Sekolah Sungai Siluk, where we had lunch. We then participated in an engaging gamelan class. The participants quickly learned to synchronize their playing, which was impressive.

We have gamelan class that we find interesting. We learned a lot about tempo, music note, and we learned how to play gamelan. At first it was hard to play. but after some adjustment gamelan seems so interesting and became a cool stuff we learned here. Also, gamelan is one of the most famous traditional music in Indonesia. We played a ‘gugur gunung’ song.

After the gamelan class, we made Es Telang, a drink made with Telegah flowers, coconut jelly, lychee jelly, basil seeds, ice, and lemon. The Telang flower comes in three colors: blue, pink, and white. It is easy to grow and offers numerous health benefits, such as being an antioxidant and helping with eye infections, inflammation, diabetes, and cholesterol. The flower is also known for its anti-aging properties. A fascinating feature is its color-changing ability when lemon is added: the blue flower turns purple, the pink turns blue, and the white remains unchanged.

The Telang flower is abundant in Selopamioro village, and FTP UGM has collaborated with the community to promote its benefits. The drink is easy to make and rejuvenating. I hope to try the Es Telang Herbal one day, as I am curious about its taste, which includes different ingredients. Typically, two to three flowers are needed to make 250 ml of water, and they can be either boiled in water or added to boiling water.

After enjoying the Es Telang, we boarded the buses for the journey back to FTP UGM.