IPB Responds to Various Community Issues by Opening a New Study Center

Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) just established a Center for Sustainability and Transdisciplinary Science Studies (PKSKT), Institute of Research and Community Empowerment, Bogor Agricultural University (LPPM IPB). PKST LPPM IPB is a transdisciplinary research center that is a new form of learning and problem-solving system that involves a partnership with society and academicians to face the complex challenges of society. Transdisciplinary research is very much needed in this era. This was conveyed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Damayanti as the Head of PKST LPPM IPB in the Workshop on Knowledge Co-Creation, Monday (5/11), in IPB Baranangsiang Campus.

“We realize that societal environment-based development is complex. Therefore, there must be a mix of various disciplines so we can face the complex problems in life,” said Prof. Damayanti.

Through her explanation, Prof. Damayanti or usually called Prof. Dami, said that the problem which was actively discussed was sustainability. Prof. Dami stated that the issue of sustainability is where the problem lies in a complex manner. PKST LPPM IPB was designed to have many experts from many disciplines worked together in countering global issues. “Currently, sociology expert can talk about DNA because of transdisciplinary and co-creation,” she added.

In Indonesia, the involvement of the local community is very important to be done in the co-creation process. Indonesia which is known with the Bhineka Tunggal Ika motto has more than 700 ethnics, along with rich indigenous knowledge about natural resources management system.

Prof. Dami also emphasized that society participation became one of the variables that was very important, considering the studied aspects were complex. “Society is the producer of knowledge. They have to contribute.” The workshop also talked about co-creation. Co-creation is a knowledge that consists of modern and indigenous knowledge. The head of LPPM IPB, Dr. Aji Hermawan also conveyed his interest in co-creation. According to him, co-creation was very suitable to be juxtaposed with the science of transdisciplinary because co-creation can produce new knowledge that can create a better human life. It is hoped that the development of a transdisciplinary research center at IPB can be a way out for the realization of a new order of knowledge that guarantees the sustainability of the earth's carrying capacity.