TEP IPB University and Bangka Selatan Regency Government Collaborate to Develop Batu Betumpang Transmigration Area through Organic Agriculture
The IPB University Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) held an audience and technical coordination meeting with the Bangka Selatan Regency Government. The meeting marked the initial step toward strengthening synergy among higher education institutions, the Ministry of Transmigration, and the regional government to accelerate the development of the Batu Betumpang Transmigration Area toward a sustainable agricultural system.
The meeting was led directly by Deputy Regent of Bangka Selatan, Debby Vita Dewi, and attended by representatives of relevant regional government agencies, including the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida), the Manpower and Transmigration Agency (Disnakertrans), the Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries Agency, and the Community and Village Empowerment Agency (DPMD).
Debby Vita Dewi welcomed the strategic collaboration. “Synergy among the regional government, higher education institutions, and communities is a strategic step to accelerate the development of the transmigration area while improving community welfare through sustainable agriculture,” she said.
On the same occasion, Chairman of TEP IPB University Dr Suprehatin explained that the assistance program will focus on strengthening the transition toward organic farming practices in a gradual and participatory manner.
The assistance program will include education on environmentally friendly cultivation techniques and the utilization of organic fertilizers, strengthening the capacity of farmer groups and community economic institutions, as well as assistance in increasing the added value of agricultural products to enhance their competitiveness.
“This program is not solely oriented toward increasing production, but also aims to promote the independence of local communities in accordance with the characteristics and potential of the region,” said Dr Suprehatin.
Through this cross-sectoral collaboration, the Batu Betumpang Transmigration Area is expected to develop into a pilot area that integrates regional development with a productive, competitive, and sustainable organic farming system. (*/Rz) (IAAS/CAA)
