Learning from the community, identifying village potential, and sharing knowledge were among the spirits embodied in the 63rd Anniversary of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This spirit was brought to life through Srawung Desa 2026, themed “Semai Karya, Cipta Berdaya” (Nurturing Creativity, Creating Empowerment), held from 13–15 August 2026 in Gondoarum Hamlet, Wonokerto Village, Turi District, Sleman Regency.

The program brought together students from FTP and several other faculties at UGM with the Gondoarum community through a series of empowerment activities, workshops, as well as social and cultural activities.

Chair of the 63rd Anniversary Committee of FTP UGM, Dr. Novita Erma Kristanti, S.T.P., M.P., said that direct interaction with the community is an important part of the student development process. According to her, students need to develop social awareness and understand that learning does not take place only in the classroom. “One of the things we hope is that our UGM students will grow through this process. What do we expect? We hope they develop a strong sense of social awareness.

“Oh, it turns out that engaging with the community is not a one-way process. I have knowledge from campus, but that does not mean I should communicate as if I know more. The fathers and mothers here have far greater life experience. So, we will learn a great deal here.”

This message became one of the foundations of Srawung Desa 2026. Students were not positioned merely as parties bringing knowledge from the university, but also as learners who were open to the experiences, knowledge, and everyday lives of the community. This two-way interaction was expected to foster greater sensitivity while encouraging students to view the potential and challenges of the village from a perspective that is closer to the community’s daily realities.

Chair of the FTP UGM Student Executive Board (BEM), Erlangga Adi Setiawan, explained that Srawung Desa is an activity under the auspices of the Ministry of Partner Village Development. The program provides a space for students to “srawung,” or interact directly with the community, while exploring the potential of Gondoarum Hamlet. “The purpose of this activity is to ‘srawung’ with the village, particularly Gondoarum Hamlet. And later, we will explore and try to innovate based on what makes Gondoarum unique.” He added that the interaction was expected to go beyond simply introducing students to village life and develop into a process of shared learning and empowerment. “Srawung Desa is a place for us to learn together, interact, innovate, and empower the village community.”

This spirit was manifested through various activities that brought students’ academic knowledge together with the needs of the community. One of them was a workshop involving three departments at FTP UGM. The Department of Food and Agricultural Products Technology (TPHP) delivered material on processing banana-based products through a practical session on making dry brownies. The Department of Agroindustrial Technology (TIP) introduced the use of environmentally friendly packaging, including biofoam.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems (TPB) provided training on producing liquid organic fertilizer through equipment engineering.

TPB FTP UGM lecturer, Dr. Chandra Setyawan, S.T.P., M.Eng., Ph.D., IPM, ASEAN Eng., viewed the activity as an opportunity for students to identify community needs and connect those needs with relevant knowledge and resource persons. “Perhaps here in Gondoarum Hamlet, there are needs within the community related to the knowledge or technology they require. Here, the students have classified those needs and connected the community members with the relevant resource persons.”

The various workshops were designed to be interactive so that community members would not only receive information but also participate directly in the practical activities. This approach also provided students with an opportunity to understand how knowledge acquired in higher education can be communicated and applied in accordance with the context and needs of the community.

Shared learning also took place beyond the workshop sessions. Volunteers participated in the daily activities of local residents, including gardening and going to the market. Through these activities, students had the opportunity to become more familiar with the community’s way of life while gaining a deeper understanding of local potential that may not always be identified through formal activities.

The spirit of togetherness was further strengthened through a series of cultural activities, including karawitan, the closing night celebration, and a morning walk around the village. These activities provided a more informal space for interaction between students and community members while strengthening their relationships throughout the Srawung Desa program.

Srawung Desa 2026 involved approximately 25 residents of Gondoarum Hamlet, along with 29 committee members and 24 volunteers from FTP and several other faculties at UGM. This cross-faculty involvement broadened the perspectives brought into the program while demonstrating that community empowerment can serve as a collaborative space for diverse academic disciplines.

Through the theme “Semai Karya, Cipta Berdaya,” Srawung Desa 2026 became one of the tangible manifestations of the spirit of the 63rd Anniversary of FTP UGM in creating meaningful benefits for the community. The program not only provided students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge, but also taught them that meaningful contributions emerge from the willingness to listen, learn, and grow together with the community.

From Gondoarum, students and community members came together in a shared process: exchanging knowledge, exploring potential, and creating empowerment together.

The activity contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through experiential learning and the application of knowledge within the community; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through strengthening the potential and livelihoods of rural communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among students, higher education institutions, and communities in village development.

National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, observed every August 12, provided momentum for the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), to strengthen the university’s contribution to the development of community-based businesses. This momentum took shape through the National MSME Workshop 2026, organized by UGM’s Directorate of Community Service (DPkM) in collaboration with FTP UGM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Kamanjani-Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM. Held as part of the series of events marking FTP UGM’s 63rd Dies Natalis, the event brought together around 30 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) actors through a learning forum, experience-sharing sessions, and a product exhibition aimed at strengthening a business ecosystem built on local potential.

The vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, FTP UGM, Prof. Dr. Yudi Pranoto, S.T.P, M.P, expressed hope that the event would go beyond a forum or product exhibition and generate broader impact for the community and business actors. 

“The hope is that this event won’t be limited to a meeting, a workshop, or a product showcase and networking session. Beyond that, there should of course be a significant impact, especially for the community and for business actors more broadly, at the national level,” he said. 

A similar view on the importance of MSMEs to the economy was also shared by UGM’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sjujito, S.Sos., M.Si. According to him, the success of MSMEs is closely tied to the strength of the broader economy, and their development therefore deserves attention and support. 

“If MSMEs succeed, I believe our economy will grow strong. But if MSMEs are neglected and given no attention, a decline in that potential is bound to happen.” he said. 

Carrying the idea of synergy between community economic institutions through cooperatives and MSMEs, the workshop discussed various strategies for strengthening businesses built on local potential. Cooperatives were seen as capable of driving an ecosystem that supports MSME growth, while MSMEs form an important part of the productive economic activity that sustains cooperatives.

The discussion was enriched by a range of success stories from business actors and academics alike. Amirullah Setya Hardi, S.E., Cand.Oecon., Ph.D., from UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business Discussed Strengthening cooperative institution as a platform for developing MSMEs’ flagship product. Meanwhile, Dr.Ir. Muhsin Al Anas, S.Pt., IPP., shared his experience with cage-free layer-hen business opportunities for producing omega-3 eggs through a group-based model.

On the side of developing products rooted in local wisdom. Herdiana Dewi Utari of CV Dewi Makmur shared her experience transforming traditional jamu (herbal tonic) into a healthy-lifestyle product and business opportunity. Another perspective was shared by Juni Noor Hastuti, owner of Matahari Craft, on turning corn-husk waste and natural fibers into dried-flower craft and home decor products with high economic value. Lenny Tursia Vishtrina of Evanz Store also shared her experience developing creative ideas to seize market opportunities.

The series of presentations and shared experience were guided through discussion sessions that gave participants the opportunity to exchange views with the speakers. Bayu Nugraha, S.T.P., M.Sc., of FTP UGM served as moderator for the second session, which discussed the selection of production tools and machinery to support economic institutions, along with various business-development experiences.

FTP UGM also contributed directly through a presentation on the selection of production tools and machinery to support economic institutions, delivered by Dr. Ir. Devi Yuni Susanti, S.T.P., M.SC., IPU., ASEAN Eng. This discussion reinforced the perspective that developing MSMEs requires not only creativity in producing goods, but also the right technological support to improve production effectiveness and capacity. 

As part of the series of events marking FTP UGM’s 63rd Dies Natalis, the event was also carried out in the spirit of the anniversary celebration, which reinforced FTP UGM’s contribution to the community. Dr. Novita Erna Kristanti, S.T.P., M.P., Chair of FTP UGM’s 63rd Dies Natalis Committee, played an important role in organizing the series of activities linking the Dies Natalis momentum with tangible contributions to the community and business actors.

Beyond the workshop and seminar sessions, the event also featured an exhibition of products from mentored MSMEs, held in the courtyard of the Kamarijani-Soenjoto Auditorium, FTP UGM. Around 30 MSMEs took part, showing their respective flagship products. The exhibition provided a space for business actors to introduce their products while opening up opportunities for interaction and networking with participants and other attendees.

The variety of products on display shows that MSMEs potential can grow from a range of local resources, from food and health products rooted in local wisdom to handicraft. Bringing together the experience of business actors, academic perspectives, and institutional support is expected to open up broader opportunities for collaboration in MSME development

For FTP UGM, participation in the National MSMEs Workshop 2026 forms part of the faculty’s commitment to contributing to the development of the community’s economy. Held to coincide with both National MSMEs Day and the series of events marking FTP UGM’s 63rd Dies Natalis, the event is expected to encourage MSMEs to grow, innovate, and move up to a level, while strengthening the community’s economy based on local potential.

This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through strengthening the capacity, innovation, and development opportunities of MSMEs, and SDG 17; Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between universities, community institutions, and business actors in strengthening the community’s economic ecosystem

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

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