Helping to Realize an Independent Food-Producing Regency, IPB University and the PPU Regency Government Sign an MoU

IPB University and the Penajam Paser Utara Local Government (PPURegency) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday (6/10) at the Dramaga Campus. The PPU Regent and his delegation were received by IPB University Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar.

The collaboration covers the fields of education, research, and community service. The focus of the collaboration also includes the application of innovations, human resource development, increasing agricultural productivity, and providing Regional Scholarship (BUD).

PPU Regent, Mudyat Noor, S.Hut, in his remarks stated that PPU Regency is one of the important agricultural centers in East Kalimantan. As a supporting region for the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), he hopes that PPU will not only become a government center but also a self-sufficient district in terms of food production.

However, he added, issues related to land and improving agricultural quality remain the main focus of the local government. “Agricultural development there has declined due to human resource issues and because our agricultural technology still uses conventional methods, not advanced technology,” he explained.

Mudyat hopes that this visit to IPB University can be the first step toward securing support from experts and cutting-edge technology. He believes this step is crucial to realizing PPU’s vision as a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural district capable of meeting food needs, both for the local community and future residents of the IKN.

“We are hopeful that IPB University, with its expertise in agriculture, can assist us in increasing agricultural production in Penajam, particularly rice,” he said.

The Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, welcomed this collaboration. 

Regarding rice commodity development, he revealed that IPB University has demonstrated high aggressiveness in rice research. “After successfully achieving productivity through varieties like IPB3S and IPB9G, the research focus has now shifted to functional or aromatic rice. Some aromatic rice varieties have already been recognized,” said Prof Iskandar.

Additionally, he mentioned that IPB University is also opening doors for local youth from PPU to continue their studies and develop skills aligned with the region’s key commodities, such as agriculture and oil palm plantations.

“This is expected to support the development of high-quality local human resources in the agricultural sector,” he explained. (AS) (IAAS/ASY)