IPB University Starts Partnership with PT Pertani and PDAM Tirta Kahuripan Bogor Regency

IPB University’s Rector, Dr Arif Satria signed a memorandum of understanding with the President Director of PT Pertani (Persero), Dr. Febriyanto and the President Director of Tirta Kahuripan Bogor Regency, Drs Hasanudin Tahir in IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor (22/8). This partnership includes education, research, and community service, especially in rice cultivation and its derivatives, and business development in clean water availability in Bogor Regency.

“The big challenge faced by IPB University and PT Pertani in Industrial Revolution 4.0 era is to produce agriculture products and equipment based on artificial intelligence, such as sensor application and robotics such as automatic tractor, drones to detect nutrient in soil. Those technologies are expected to increase agriculture production in Indonesia’s effectiveness and efficiency so they will increase farmers’ productivity,” he said.

The partnership with PDAM Tirta Kahuripan encompasses the concern about clean water needs and processing. Clean water is needed not only by IPB University, but also the areas surrounding it. PDAM has to fulfil everyone’s need of clean water, so it won’t be a problem anymore for the people around campus and IPB University.

During this opportunity, Dr. Febriyanto said that he will do something regarding the development of food crop variety and agriculture in general. PT Pertani will focus on being the Center of Excellence (CoE) IPB University strategically and carry on the procurement of seeds, fertilizer, and rice.

“PT Pertani has committed to utilize research results and innovations from IPB University. IPB Pertani believes that IPB University can help Indonesia’s agriculture to advance and develop better, because it’s supported by the lecturers and academicians whose expert in agriculture, so eventually Indonesia’s agriculture will grow rapidly,” he added.

Drs Hasanudin Tahir, regarding clean water service in IPB University and areas surrounding it said that PDAM has the responsibility to provide clean water for the people. For that purpose, clean water provision will be followed up with field survey, so the need will be met well. (Ard)