Yogyakarta, Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) has officially signed a collaboration agreement with the Regional Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (BAPPERIDA) of Kulon Progo District to strengthen academic and local government synergy. This collaboration focuses on research and the implementation of technology to support regional development, particularly in realizing an agriculture-based aerotropolis. The event took place at the TILC SV UGM Ballroom and was attended by representatives from academia, local government, and local farmers interested in agricultural and technological development.
The Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng., emphasized that academics play a crucial role in analyzing and providing development recommendations, while vocational education prioritizes concrete solutions through community service, research, and teaching for society. “This collaboration is a strategic step in implementing appropriate technology that can directly benefit farmers and the broader community,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in generating innovative and applicable solutions for regional development.
The Head of BAPPERIDA Kulon Progo, Ir. Muh Aris Nugroho, M.M.A, stated that this synergy is a concrete step toward realizing research-based innovations for the development of agriculture and agroindustry in Kulon Progo. “We hope this collaboration can accelerate the development of the aerotropolis area and enhance the competitiveness of the local agricultural sector,” he explained. With support from academic institutions like UGM, it is hoped that agricultural technology can be applied more widely, particularly in addressing challenges related to food security and increasing agricultural productivity.
One of the main initiatives in this collaboration is the FASTAN project (Fabrication of Smart-Agri Facilities at the Farmers’ Scale), presented by Dr. Eng. Yosephus Ardean K. Prayitno, S.T., M.Eng. This program is part of the LPDP 2025 Self-Reliance Partnership Catalyst and involves three departments at Sekolah Vokasi UGM: the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DTM), the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DTEDI), and the Department of Biotechnology and Veterinary Science (DTHV). The project will begin in April 2025 with a series of outreach activities for farmers leading up to the implementation of the greenhouse system for melon cultivation.
Melons were selected as the primary focus because they are one of Kulon Progo’s flagship commodities with significant potential for further development. This initiative aligns with and is part of the UGM FRC’s premium melon program, which is currently being formulated. By utilizing Smart-Agri technology in the greenhouse, it is expected that melon production in the region will increase both in terms of quantity and quality. Additionally, the program aims to build a more modern and sustainable agricultural ecosystem by leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology and precision farming systems.
It is hoped that through this collaboration, the innovations and technologies developed will have a tangible impact on enhancing agricultural productivity, supporting food security, and driving economic growth for the community in Kulon Progo. With synergy between academia, government, and the community, Kulon Progo can further develop into a self-reliant and highly competitive technology-based agricultural hub.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and further discussions between representatives from UGM and BAPPERIDA. Through this collaboration, both parties are committed to continuing to develop innovations in the agricultural sector that can bring benefits to farmers and the broader community.
Author: Febriana Trisnawati