Returning, IPB University Contributes to the Agrinex Expo 2025 Event
After a five-year hiatus, Agrinex is back. The largest agribusiness innovation exhibition in Indonesia presents a comprehensive view of Indonesian agribusiness, connecting industry players from upstream to downstream.
IPB University once again presented various food and agricultural innovations at the three-day expo (11/6-8) at the Pre-Function Hall D2, JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta.
IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria explained that Agrinex is essential in supporting government policies. Agriculture, he asserted, will advance due to four factors: strong leadership, research, human capital, and ecosystem.
During the panel discussion (11/6), Luhur Budijarso, Director of PT Bogor Life Science and Technology (BLST)—Holding Company of IPB University—emphasized the importance of synergy between the education sector and the agricultural sector in promoting the downstreaming of innovation.
“Agriculture is the livelihood of many people and is too big to be handled by one ministry alone. Therefore, universities must also play an active role in the downstreaming of innovation,” explained Luhur.
He added that the various innovations presented by IPB University at Agrinex 2025 show remarkable progress. One of them is the discovery of a chili variety with a spiciness level up to 3.000 times that of ordinary chili.
“Things like this are the glue that holds agricultural development in Indonesia together. Through innovations in agriculture, livestock, and plantations, IPB University’s agromaritime department continues to encourage the commercialization of its research products. For example, Botani Seed has now developed the 9th generation of gogo rice seeds,” he said.
In addition, he continued, advances in agricultural technology also enable more precise mapping of planting areas and fertilizer use. With a data-driven approach, crop maintenance efficiency can be improved, including in the palm oil plantation sector, which is one of the current focuses of innovation.
Present at the event, Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman called Agrinex 2025 an important momentum and source of motivation for all parties involved in strengthening national MSMEs.
“Now is the time for MSME players to no longer be underestimated. They need to be given a fair chance to grow and develop so that they can become big entrepreneurs in their own country. This is the momentum to collaborate and join hands, taking advantage of existing policies for the advancement of Indonesian MSMEs,” he said.
Ir Rifda Ammarina, as the chair of the organizing committee, said that this year’s Agrinex was attended by 140 booths under the guidance of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“Agribusiness is attractive because it is inseparable from food. Every day, there is a long journey full of struggles at the dinner table, not only from farmers, but also from several universities, one of which is IPB University,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the Coordinating Board for Export Enhancement of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Juan Permata Adoe, said that since 2007, Agrinex has been a meeting place for the government, the business world, and academics to create added value, especially in the agricultural sector.
“We are here to ensure that Indonesian agricultural products can be trusted on the world stage. Agrinex is a bridge for the national vision, so let’s make this moment a cross-sector collaboration based on MSME agriculture,” he concluded.
In line with this, Fajarini Puntodewi, Director General of National Export Development (Dirjen PEN) at the Ministry of Trade, hopes that Agrinex 2025 can become a platform for collaboration between farmers, industry, and institutions. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
