Supporting Climate-Adaptive Agriculture in Morotai, IPB University Introduces Precision Weather Station Innovation
The Morotai Island Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) installed a Community-based Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in the Transmigration Area of Morotai Island Regency, North Maluku.
“This step is a concrete form of IPB University’s contribution to strengthening data-based agricultural systems, as well as part of a series of activities to map the region’s leading commodities currently being carried out in the transmigration area,” said the Chairman of TEP Morotai Island, Dr Alfian Helmi.
The Community AWS is an innovation in community-based automatic weather station networks as a source of accurate and precise local weather data to support decision-making in the agricultural sector.
The data helps farmers determine planting schedules, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, and early warnings of plant disease and pest threats.
“With this technology, farmers can be more resilient in facing climate uncertainty and increase productivity in a sustainable manner,” said Dr Helmi, who currently serves as Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing at IPB University.
Furthermore, he explained that the integration between the installation of AWS Community and the mapping of leading commodities is a scientific approach that connects spatial research, technology, and community empowerment.
“We want to ensure that agricultural development in Morotai is data-driven and sustainable. AWS Community is an important part of IPB’s efforts to provide an agroclimate information system that can be used directly by farmers and local stakeholders,” he said.
In the same activity, the IPB University team also conducted an in-depth study of local resource potential, value chain analysis, and downstreaming strategies for leading commodities. This effort is aimed at developing a roadmap for competitive and sustainable agricultural development in Morotai.
The Chairman of the Morotai Island Regency Agriculture Office, Tamhid Bilo, SP, MMA, expressed his appreciation for IPB University’s contribution, which he considered highly relevant to the community’s needs.
“The collaboration with IPB provides a new direction for agricultural development in Morotai. Weather data and the results of this study on leading commodities will be an important foundation in determining Morotai’s future agricultural policies,” he said.
This activity was attended by Dr Idung Rusdiyanto and Dr Akhmad Faqih, innovators and developers of the AWS Community system from IPB University. In addition, representatives from the Transmigration Office, the Chairman of Murodadi Village, and farmers from the Morotai Island Transmigration Settlement Unit were also present.
Through the Patriot Expedition, IPB University and its cross-institutional partners are strengthening the role of higher education in advancing smart agriculture, food security, and regional independence in Eastern Indonesia.
“This activity embodies the spirit of ‘Inspiring Innovation with Integrity,’ where knowledge and innovation must provide solutions that benefit society and the environment,” concluded Dr Helmi. (*/Rz) (IAAS/Ard)
