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| UMM Demonstrates Excellence in Food Security through the Community Development Professor Program in Bondowoso (Photo: Special) |
The contribution of Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) in various fields, including food security, is unquestionable. One of the significant efforts is through the Professor for Community Development Program (P3M), led by Prof. Dr. Indah Prihartini, a professor of agriculture at UMM. For years, the White Campus has been promoting organic farming in various regions in Indonesia, including Bondowoso, where its potential has been successfully developed by UMM.
This initiative has become a primary focus of collaboration between UMM and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) of Indonesia, with the aim of making Bondowoso a national model, particularly in organic farming, which will be expanded to other regions across the country. On December 17, 2024, the Vice Minister of Kemendiktisaintek, Prof. Fauzan, visited Bondowoso to observe and launch the distribution of Bondowoso’s organic rice to various cities.
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Having supported Bondowoso for 12 years, UMM has successfully implemented innovations such as organic farming development and the production of bio-fertilizers to assist local farmers. With full support from the Bondowoso government, this program encourages local farmers to boost the local economy through organic farming. Interestingly, the revenue generated has reached up to 1 to 2 billion IDR, with a production volume of 30 to 50 tons of organic rice per month.
Bondowoso’s Acting Regent, Muhammad Hadi Wawan Guntoro, M.Si., CIPA, was also present at the event. He expressed his hope that the youth of Bondowoso would be inspired by Prof. Indah’s hard work to bring benefits to the community. He stated that Bondowoso is ready to become a model that can be replicated by other regions in Indonesia, especially with the presence of agricultural experts from UMM like Prof. Indah.
"This is also part of our efforts to support one of President Prabowo Subianto's main programs, which is to develop strong and independent food security," he said.
UMM began its dedication by implementing organic farming on 20 hectares of land in Lombokkulon Village, Bondowoso, in 2013. The area increased by another 20 hectares every year until 2017. Due to its promising results, UMM expanded its efforts to other villages such as Sulek, Taal, Gadingasri, and others. Currently, hundreds of hectares have been successfully cultivated, yielding positive results and even obtaining international organic certification.
Meanwhile, Fauzan explained that advancing Indonesia should begin with efforts in rural areas, as demonstrated by universities like UMM. According to him, a solid ecosystem has been established in Bondowoso, particularly in Lombokkulon village. Therefore, he hopes that these efforts will continue by encouraging the youth of Bondowoso to carry on organic farming in the future. This will serve as a foundation for Bondowoso to become a model region for organic farming.
"Prof. Indah and the UMM team cannot assist forever, so the young people of Bondowoso must be able to continue the initiatives that have been started. Continuation with quality human resources is also crucial," he added.
The Vice Minister's delegation hopes that UMM’s efforts in Bondowoso will serve as a national model. This way, the benefits of the program can be experienced across Indonesia. Professors should be able to engage with communities and provide concrete solutions.
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Meanwhile, UMM’s Vice Rector IV, Muhammad Salis Yuniardi, Ph.D., explained that the vision and mission of the White Campus align with the government, led by President Prabowo, particularly in terms of food security, energy independence, and more.
"We are committed to ensuring that Lombokkulon in Bondowoso will not only excel in organic farming but also become an energy-independent region. There is significant potential here, such as abundant sunlight and strong, constant river currents, which could be harnessed for energy independence," he concluded. (*/fajr)
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