Seven Officers of Indonesian National Army (TNI) Visit IPB

As many as seven officers of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) visited the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), Friday (17/12) in the Darmaga Campus. The TNI delegation was warmly greeted by the Vice Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Yonny Koesmaryono accompanied by Vice Chairman of Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) IPB, Dr. Prastowo and Chairman of P2SDM LPPM IPB, Dr. Ir. Pudji Mulyono, MSi

The seven military officers were Colonel Kustanto W, Dawn W, Kusno, Budi, and Muslich. "We are sent by the Commander for hospitality and socialization of the Commander’s idea on joint activities of local government, military and universities. We plan to organize the Young Farmers’ Party of Indonesia (Pestani) in IPB Campus," said Colonel Kustanto. The idea was once implemented by the Commander in West Kalimantan when he served there. This idea is part of the nation defense operation tasks in a broad sense, i.e. to empower people, especially farmers in rural areas. According to Kustanto, defending the nation is not merely interpreted as defending the country through military actions. "Even sewing is also part of nation defense activities," added Kustanto.

The concept of Pestani activity itself is to integrate farmers from various regions and accommodate them in the campus by staying in tents. While on the campus, the farmers talk with students, researchers or teaching staff. It is expected that the farmers will get some knowledge of modern farming and fertilizing, and they are also encouraged to learn from the experiences of successful farmers. In addition, through such activities a network of farmers and agricultural advocacy are expected to appear. Pestani will also stage an exhibition of agricultural equipment. Participants are estimated to reach about 700 people.

Prof.Yonny Koesmaryono welcomed the idea. "We accept and support the idea. Please arrange the time so as not to interfere with the academic schedule; it’s better to be in the early of a new semester or school holidays," said Prof. Yonny. He suggests that farmers of the border regions be also invited as participants to improve their welfare. (mtd)