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| Rector of UMM, Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd with the Regent of Jember, Ir. Hendy Siswanto, ST., IPU. While Touring the UMM Campus. (Photo: Rino Humas) |
The collaboration between the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) and the Jember District Government has entered a new phase. Both have determined a series of locations that will be used as places for developing organic food and new renewable energy. This was discussed during the visit of the Jember Regent to UMM on January 9, 2023.
Jember Regent, Ir. Hendy Siswanto, ST., IPU. Explained that Jember has a program called Smart Organic Farming Renewable Energy 100 (SOFRE 100). UMM is vital in carrying it out, especially in food and energy resource independence. There are four UMM roles in the SOFRE 100 process. Among them are assistance with RE 100 Organic certification, help with Smart Organic Farming, and marketing assistance for Organic RE 100 products and services utilizing New Renewable Energy (EBT).
"For the food sector, Jember plans to build an organic fertilizer factory in the Sumbersaru sub-district. Then also carry out food self-sufficiency in Sukorejo Village," he said.
Regarding energy security, Hendy said four areas would be built by Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH) and Solar Power Plants (PLTS). The four are Jambearum Village, Baban Timur Darungan Hamlet, Karang Kebun Hamlet, and Sepuran Hamlet.
“We do not have electricity in several areas because they are located in the forest. So, I think UMM can provide input and assistance so that Jember can have PLTMH and PLTS. Hopefully, this can be a strategic solution for the community. The purpose of our visit is to see concrete evidence of the contribution of universities to the nation. So that we can emulate it as soon as possible, “said Hendy.
Hendy also said that Jember's independent energy program would start with Islamic boarding schools, schools, and madrasahs. This certainly can create school independence in terms of EBT. Besides that, it can also be a vehicle for new education and, at the same time, practice for students.
On the other hand, the person in charge of the independent food sector from UMM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Indah Prihartini, MP. IPU. submit plans and strategies for the next five years. In 2023, it will form a SOFRE cluster and upstream downstream supporting industry. Then 2024, the development of supporting and processing industries based on SOFRE 50 and regional marketing.
"In 2025, the development of smart corporate farming as a core industry based on RE 100 and national marketing and followed by the development of the 2nd SOFRE Cluster and the initiation of international certification for the export market in 2026. Finally, there is the development of SOFRE 100-based tourism villages and brand development and exports of organic rice in 2027," he said.
On the same occasion, the Rector of UMM, Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd. He hopes there will be concrete steps to execute the cooperation plan between the two. Mainly in advancing food security and EBT. He emphasized that he would provide the best academics to help promote Jember and benefit the community. (cdr/ros/wil)
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