IPB University Sends Off 25 Teams for the 2026 Patriot Expedition, Bringing Innovation to Transmigration Areas
IPB University is once again contributing to the Patriot 2026 Expedition program, a strategic initiative of the Indonesian Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans). A total of 25 teams and 125 members of the IPB University Patriot Expedition were sent off to contribute to research, studies, mentoring, and the development of transmigration areas across various regions of Indonesia.
The Chairmam of the Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I) at IPB University, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, stated that all participants had completed a preparatory briefing before heading into the field. He urged all team members to always uphold the good name of IPB University, adhere to high ethical standards, and respect local cultures in every assigned region.
“Uphold IPB’s good reputation, uphold ethical standards, respect local cultures, and give your best to the transmigration communities. Take care of your health and safety, and follow traffic safety rules. Avoid any risks that could endanger yourselves or your team members,” he said.
Furthermore, Rector Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Transmigration for the trust placed in IPB University to participate in the Patriot Expedition. According to him, this program provides an opportunity for IPB University to apply science, technology, and innovation in supporting the development of transmigration areas.
“This is an opportunity for us to develop a more integrated ecosystem, build institutional capacity, and connect and enhance capabilities in transmigration areas,” he said.
He added that participation in the Patriot Expedition also serves as a learning experience for the IPB University team to gain firsthand experience from the field and the local community. The Rector hopes the team will gain plenty of inspiration while participating in the Patriot Expedition.
“One indicator of success is the extent of the benefits the Patriot Expedition team can provide,” he added.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Transmigration, Viva Yoga Mauladi, MSi stated that the Patriot Expedition program has several strategic objectives. One of them is to strengthen Indonesia’s unity by bringing together people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This program is also aimed at helping to reduce poverty and improve people’s living standards. Additionally, transmigration areas are considered to have great potential as centers of rice production.
“For transmigrants, land is not merely a place to live, but also an economic resource for bringing about changes in their lives,” he said. It is this spirit that forms the vision and mission of the Ministry of Transmigration to spread Indonesian values from Sabang to Merauke.
Rice Innovation Initiatives
In implementing this program, IPB University is introducing a number of innovations to be disseminated in transmigration areas. One of these is the IPB 9G rice variety, which has amphibious characteristics, allowing it to be cultivated in both paddy fields and dry land.
In addition to rice, IPB University is also preparing “Patriot chili,” developed by Prof Syukur, a special variety currently undergoing registration and planned for direct cultivation and testing at the Patriot Expedition site.
Through the 2026 Patriot Expedition program, IPB University is committed to continuing to provide knowledge, research, and innovations that can be directly applied to support community self reliance and accelerate the development of transmigration areas in Indonesia. (Ez) (IAAS/WSG)
