Research, Service and Collaboration

Bondowoso, December 17, 2024 - The White Campus of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) reaffirmed its role in building national food security. Through the Community Development Activator Professor Program (P3M), UMM collaborates with the Bondowoso Regency Government to develop organic agriculture which is successfully becoming a national pilot now. Through a real action-based approach. Starting in 2013, UMM assisted farmers in Lombok Kulon Village, Bondowoso, by working on 20 hectares of land for organic farming. Now, thanks to consistency and innovation, the land developed has reached hundreds of hectares and received international organic certification.

The central figure in this success is Prof. Dr. Indah Prihartini, a professor in agriculture at UMM. With a science and practice-based approach, she and her team have succeeded in creating an agricultural ecosystem that is not only environmentally friendly but also able to improve the lives of local farmers. The assistance provided includes biofertilizer innovation to production management, which now reaches 50 tons of organic rice per month with a turnover of up to IDR 2 billion.

“Bondowoso is not only a symbol of the success of organic farming but also shows how collaboration between academics and the government can create real impact,” said Prof. Indah.

National Support and Future Hope

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Fauzan, who attended the release of Bondowoso organic rice to various cities, appreciated this success. He called the ecosystem built by UMM in Bondowoso an ideal model to be applied in other areas.

“The advancement of Indonesia must start from the village. What UMM has done in Bondowoso is a clear example of how universities can become agents of change with a community needs-based approach,” Fauzan said.

Acting Regent of Bondowoso, Muhammad Hadi Wawan Guntoro, also emphasized the importance of regeneration among young people to continue what UMM has pioneered. “Bondowoso is ready to become a national role model,” he said.

Expansion to Independent Energy

Interestingly, UMM did not stop at organic farming. UMM's Vice Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, Ph.D., revealed plans to develop Bondowoso into an energy independent region. With the potential for solar heat and constant river flow, Bondowoso has the opportunity to become an area that is not only food independent but also energy independent. 

Through commitments like this, UMM continues to demonstrate its role as a pioneer of innovation-based community service and real impact. Bondowoso now stands as proof that success begins with collaboration and real action.