To welcome the golden Indonesia 2045, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is expanding its network of cooperation with the Indonesian National Air Force (TNI AU) to strengthen national food security. This collaboration was marked by the holding of a seminar entitled "Regional Capabilities in Supporting the Food Security & Nutritious Food Program" as well as the signing of a joint statement, on December 16, 2024.
Through this seminar, it is expected that there will be a collaborative synergy between academics, government agencies, and the community in order to develop Indonesia's grand vision towards a golden Indonesia 2045.
"It is true, that food security is a crucial issue that cannot be resolved by one party alone. This requires a harmonious orchestration where all elements of the nation have a strategic role to create a harmonious and highly competitive environment," said Air Marshal Andi Wijaya Assistant for Aerospace Potential, Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Furthermore, he stated that the presence of the Indonesian Air Force as a supporting sector is not the main actor in facing food security, but rather the presence of the Indonesian Air Force is one of the protectors to secure natural resources in Indonesia.
The main focus in welcoming food security is welfare and innovation in the agricultural sector. Diyan Anggraini from PT Thara Jaya Niaga also said that innovation and downstream processing of agricultural products are the keys to maximizing economic potential in this sector.
"Food security cannot be achieved without farmer welfare. We must encourage increased farmer income and create a good ecosystem from upstream to downstream. For example, Thailand and Vietnam have successfully utilized agricultural waste into competitive economic added value," she continued.
Diyan also highlighted the importance of maximizing agricultural by-products, such as rice bran or husks. Both of these materials have not been optimally utilized in Indonesia and end up only as animal feed. Both of these by-products also have high selling value in the global market.
For this reason, UMM Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nazarudin Malik, SE., M.Si also conveyed the university's commitment to supporting food security through innovation in the organic farming sector and empowering local farmers.
"We have proven that universities are capable of being the driving force for farmer welfare. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that sustainable synergy can be created in supporting national food independence and the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045," he said.
Through the Center of Excellence program, UMM also plays a role in welcoming food security. The education and guidance of students through this CoE program can be a provision for devoting themselves to the community in order to create a sustainable life.
Finally, Prof. Dr. Ir. Aris Winaya, M.M., M.Sc., IPU, ASEAN Eng as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture-Animal Husbandry (FPP) UMM said that the implementation of this collaboration in the future can be developed according to the scope of the Tri Dharma of higher education in synergy with the Indonesian Air Force so that the benefits can be felt directly by the community.
"Through this collaboration, hopefully, it can be our provision in preparing UMM students to be ready to enter the community. Through the CoE and entrepreneurship programs, it becomes a driver and provision for students to be ready to implement and succeed the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045," he said in closing.
