UNS — The Faculty Committee for the 47th Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Anniversary in Faculty of Agriculture (FP) hosted a National Seminar, Prelude to the Indonesian Agricultural College Communication Forum (FKPTPI), Workshop, and Second Congress of the Indonesian Agrotechnology Association (PAGI). In this activity, FP UNS collaborates with PAGI and FKPTPI. The event was held as part of the 46th UNS Anniversary Celebration, under the theme ‘Curriculum and Implementation of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program in Agrotechnology Study Program.
Conducted in Conference Room II of UNS Dr. Prakosa Building, this workshop presented four speakers, namely the Expert Team on Curriculum and Learning for the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs at Directorate General of Higher Education, Dr. Syamsul Arifin; the Head of Agronomic Research and Development Department for PT. Great Giant Pineapple, Dr. Priyo Cahyono; the Head of Agrotechnology Study Program, Agronomy Department, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. agr. Nunun Barunawati; and the Head of Agrotechnology Study Program FP UNS, Dr. Parjanto.
In his remark, Prof. Hadiwiyono, as the Secretary-General of PAGI, mentioned that the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program would deliver an outcome that meets the needs of the community. Provided that it is carried out in a collaborative, participative, and cooperative manner. “PADI took a role to synchronize the perception of MBKM implementation across all Agrotechnology/Agroecotechnology study program managers, both at Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, within all universities throughout Indonesia. PAGI is established to answer the challenge faced by Agrotechnology/Agroecotechnology Study Program in their effort towards internationalization,” said Prof. Hadiwiyono in the event held on Thursday (19/5/2022).
Participants’ enthusiasm was shown by PAGI members’ attendance and representative participation from universities in Indonesia, such as Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Bengkulu, Universitas Siliwangi, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Universitas Hasanuddin, and many others. In the material presentation session, Dr. Syamsul Arifin said that the policy of the MBKM program is an adaptive, collaborative, and innovative curriculum development. “The quality of graduates become one of the aspects (of universities’ performance), such as the percentage of graduates who manage to get decent jobs, to get further studies, and self-employed graduates with sufficient income. Then, the percentage that took at least 20 credit-semester on an off-campus program,” he explained.
The second speaker, Dr. Priyo Cahyono, said that PT. Great Giant Pineapple supports the agrotechnology and agribusiness field of study to meet the needs of the Business and Industry World (DUDI). “PT. Great Giant Pineapple opens opportunities for the MBKM internships program, for certain positions that can be filled by students,” said Dr. Priyo.
Meanwhile, Dr. Parjanto also explained various access for the MBKM program that the Agrotechnology Study Program students can take. These programs include MBKM Dikti and DUDI programs, such as student exchange, internships, and UNS MBKM programs. “UNS MBKM program includes Village Development Student Community Service, Thematic Student Community Service, and Entrepreneurship Development Program. There are also activities provided by the study program, namely the teaching factory development through experimental learning of Rojo Lele rice production in Delanggu Village, Klaten, horticultural cultivation in Cabeyan Village, Sukoharjo, and a smart hydroponic program, which allows students to gain 20 credits-semester for participating in the program,” said Dr. Parjanto as Head of Agrotechnology Study Program FP UNS.
Dr. agr. Nunun Barunawati expressed her agreement with Dr. Parjanto’s explanation. “In the face of globalization and internationalization, students must have more than one competency,” she said. After the workshop session ended, the event was followed by the Second PAGI Congress for advisors, administrators, and PAGI members. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti