Research, Service and Collaboration

Malang - In order to strengthen national food security, Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) established a collaboration with the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). This collaboration was marked by holding a seminar themed “Regional Capabilities in Supporting Food Security & Nutritious Food Programs” and signing a joint statement on Monday, December 16, 2023 at Rayz UMM.

This agenda is a stage for synergy between academics, government, and defense elements to identify strategic solutions towards the big vision of the Golden Indonesia 2045. The Air Force Chief of Staff's Aerospace Potential Assistant, Air Marshal Andi Wijaya, emphasized that food security is an issue that requires cross-sector cooperation.

“Food security is a crucial issue that cannot be resolved by one party alone. It requires harmonious orchestration in which all elements of the nation have a strategic role. The Air Force is not the main actor in agriculture, but we can take part in the agricultural system by protecting and securing national resources,” he explained.

Focus on Farmers and Innovation

In the keynote session, Diyan Anggraini from PT Thara Jaya Niaga emphasized the importance of farmers' welfare as the foundation of food security. According to her, innovation and downstreaming of agricultural products are key to maximizing the sector's economic potential.

“Food security is impossible without farmers' welfare. We must encourage an increase in farmers' income and create a good ecosystem from upstream to downstream. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have successfully utilized the remaining agricultural production into competitive economic added value,” she said.

Furthermore, Diyan highlighted the importance of maximizing agricultural residues, such as bran and husk, which have not been optimally utilized in Indonesia. This step is expected to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in the global market.

UMM as a Motor of Agricultural Innovation

UMM Rector, Prof. Dr. Nazarudin Malik, conveyed the university's commitment in supporting food security through organic farming innovation and empowerment of local farmers. With 165 hectares of fostered land, UMM has focused efforts on sustainable organic agriculture.

“We have proven that universities can be the driving force for farmers' welfare. Through this collaboration, we hope to create sustainable synergy in supporting national food independence and the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045,” he said.

The collaboration between UMM and the Air Force is a concrete step in answering the challenges of national food security. By collaborating with various parties, this program is expected to be able to create sustainable solutions that not only have an impact on the agricultural sector, but also on the welfare of the community at large.

As a follow-up step, UMM plans to strengthen farmer assistance programs and technological innovations in agriculture to create a resilient and independent food system. With strategic collaborations like this, Indonesia is expected to be ready to welcome food security towards the Golden Indonesia 2045. (red/dik).