Generation Z Learns Agromaritime 4.0 with the Rector of IPB University
The Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, was a guest speaker at the Gen Z Summit, presenting a talk titled “AgriTech Revolution: IPB Design for Agromaritime 4.0.”
In his presentation, Prof Arif emphasized that technological transformation is the key to creating a smart, self-reliant, and sustainable future for agriculture and maritime industries.
Prof Arif noted that governments typically lag behind in responding to technological changes. Yet, as an example, technology and innovation in agriculture have already shifted significantly.
“I think we no longer discuss agriculture in the context we described in the 1990s. Biology is the same. When talking about pollinating insects, some now use robots to perform pollination,” Prof Arif said recently.
He also discussed the concept of digital twins in agriculture. With this concept, agricultural experiments can now be simulated and designed beforehand using computers before being tested directly in the field. This accelerates the innovation process and improves production efficiency.
In a social context, Prof Arif also addressed the challenge of farmer regeneration, as seen in Japan. Social standards in Japan make it difficult for farmers to find partners, while in Indonesia, the number of millennial farmers exceeds 6 million.
“Therefore, as a concrete form of support for millennial agriculture, IPB University has developed the Sawah 4.0 concept, which includes smart rice production systems, plant disease detection, and automated fertilization and irrigation services,” he explained.
Not only that, Prof Arif explained that through the One Village One CEO (OVOC) program, IPB University sends final-year students and recent graduates to become village leaders. They bring innovation, technology, market access, and even open export channels for local products.
“There is one village with an abundance of goat manure. Under the guidance of a young IPB University CEO, a planting medium was created from the fermentation of that waste, branded as Goat Tai, and is now exported to 11 countries,” said Prof Arif, drawing admiring laughter from the participants.
Additionally, he continued, IPB University, through the Agribusiness and Technology Park (ATP), has been supporting farmers around the campus by providing seeds, technology, and marketing their crops to 54 supermarkets in the Jakarta metropolitan area.
“If you see organic products in supermarkets, they come from IPB University, from millennial farmers, from farmers around the campus. So, in fact, we can meet the needs of one region without relying on imports,” he said.
With the Agromaritim 4.0 approach, the rector emphasized that IPB University remains committed to being a catalyst for change, promoting smart agriculture and village-based innovation-driven economies. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
