Kulon Progo, February 20, 2025 – The Smart-Agri Facility Fabrication Team for Farmer-Scale Applications (FASTAN), led by Dr. Eng. Yosephus Ardean Kurnianto Prayitno, S.T., M.Eng. from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM), conducted a field survey with the Gisik Pranaji Farmers Group located in Bugel Village, Panjatan Sub-district, Kulon Progo Regency.

The survey, coordinated by Ahmat Hari Setiyawan, A.Md., was conducted as a follow-up to the LPDP’s 2025 Self-Reliance Partnership Catalyst Program, which is currently in the implementation phase. The selection of the farmer group surveyed was the result of program coordination managed by the Agriculture and Bapperida Department of Kulon Progo Regency, where several Prospective Farmers and Prospective Land (CPCL) candidates were proposed. Duwianta, S.P., as the Quality Supervisor of Agricultural Products, Junior Expert in the Field of Production and Protection of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations at the Agriculture and Food Department of Kulon Progo Regency, and Irlan Widya Permono, S. Pi., as the Technical Policy Analyst in the Regional Research, Innovation, and Control Division of the Kulon Progo Regency Bapperida, also oversaw the smooth running of the survey as representatives of the partner team. 

The Gisik Pranaji Farmers Group is known to already have a Greenhouse (GH) using the NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system, which is a hydroponic technology that places plant roots in a shallow layer of water and nutrients that is continuously circulated. This condition does not rule out the possibility that new technology is still needed to support the production process for greater efficiency and better quality.

The Gisik Pranaji Farmers Group, as one of the potential beneficiaries of the research, expressed enthusiasm for the program. The existing GH system remains highly dependent on human resources, with nutrient levels still being manually administered and checked. Therefore, the FASTAN-Katalisator Kemitraan Berdikari 2025 LPDP program is expected to make the GH production system more efficient. Additionally, the projection of melon cultivation with management as plasma/satellite farmers for UGM’s flagship melon product serves as a unique interest for the Gisik Pranaji Farmers Group.

The initial implementation of FASTAN is expected to enable farmer groups in Kulon Progo Regency to conduct hydroponic melon cultivation using a smart agriculture-based system. The FASTAN program will produce an integrated irrigation system based on DM-AQMS (Dosing Machine-Air Quality Monitoring System). With this system, farmers are expected to cultivate more efficiently and achieve premium fruit yields with improved productivity.

Additionally, this program receives full support from the local government, which provides facilities and incentives for farmers wishing to transition to the GH method. It is anticipated that the implementation of this system will significantly increase melon production in Kulon Progo Regency, thereby meeting the ever-growing market demand.

Author: Ahmat Hari Setiyawan; Curator: Yosephus Ardean Kurnianto Prayitno

Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), followed by a presentation of the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE Program). The event took place at the Teaching Industry Learning Center of Sekolah Vokasi UGM on February 14, 2025, and was attended by several key officials from both institutions.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. – Director of Partnership and Global Relations at UGM; Dean of the Vocational School of UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM, ASEAN Eng; Deputy Dean for Cooperation and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Endang Soelistyowati, S.S., M.A.; Alfelia Nungky Permatasari, S.S., M.A., Manager of the International Relations Unit at the Vocational School of UGM. Also present were Mr. Irfan, Dr. Handoko, S.T., M.T., and Mr. Adi Kurniawan as representatives of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Vocational School. From Cheng Shiu University, Vice President Dr. Shuenn-Ren Cheng and Prof. Wu-Te-Ko, Vice Dean of the International Affairs Office, were in attendance.

The Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng, opened the event with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in improving the quality of vocational education in Indonesia. “This collaboration is expected to provide broader opportunities for students to enrich their knowledge and adapt to the global industry,” he said. He also mentioned, “We hope that through this program, our students will return to Indonesia or stay here, but they will be enriched with knowledge from here, along with knowledge from Cheng Shiu University and industrial experience.”

In response, Vice President of Cheng Shiu University, Dr. Shuenn-Ren Cheng, also delivered a speech highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting the development of relevant industrial skills for students. “When I came to Indonesia, I liked the Indonesian students. I really want to develop more learning opportunities for students so they can work and learn more effectively,” he explained.

The event was also attended by representatives from INTACT Base, including CEO Prof. Jay Lin, Deputy CEO Dr. Roger Yang, and Project Managers Muhammad Eraz Aufarrahman Indrawan and Elsa Vania. 

This agenda was appreciated and fully supported by the Ministry of Education Taiwan and made possible through the role of Ms. Grace Ou, Director of the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) Indonesia, who opened opportunities for collaboration and bridged Sekolah Vokasi UGM with universities in Taiwan.

This MoA is expected to serve as an important milestone for both institutions in strengthening academic ties and facilitating knowledge and experience exchange for students. Through this collaboration, students will gain broader learning opportunities and develop competencies relevant to global industry needs.  

Author: Angga Alfian Parmadi  

Editor: Public Relations SV UGM 

Sekolah Vokasi UGM (SV UGM) held a signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding with PT Tira Austenite Tbk. The event took place at the Teaching Industry Learning Center (TILC) building at UGM on February 6, 2025. This ceremony reflects Sekolah Vokasi UGM’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to enhance their experience in the industrial world.

The event was attended by the Deputy Dean for Research and Community Service, Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., MT., the Deputy Dean for Cooperation and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Endang Soelistyowati, S.S., M.A., the Secretary of the Heavy Equipment Management and Maintenance Program, Harjono, S.T., M.T., and the CEO of PT Austenite Tbk, Selo Winardi, along with his team.  

The event was opened with a speech by the Deputy Dean for Research and Community Service, Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., MT. He expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, as it will contribute to the creation of brilliant Indonesian human resources. 

“So far, we have established collaborations with various industries, both domestic and international. Through this partnership, we hope to produce exceptional graduates ready to face industrial challenges. Vocational Higher Education has a distinct character from other forms of education due to its rapid development. Therefore, vocational students must receive at least 30% of their learning content from the industry. This collaboration enables students to gain hands-on learning experiences from the industrial world,” he said.

Furthermore, Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., MT., added that the internship system implemented by the Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM is a professional internship program.

“Currently, the Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM is encouraging students and faculty members to participate in professional internships. This internship not only involves students in real-world work but also assigns them responsibilities in a paid project. The goal is to broaden the student’s understanding and enhance their competencies so they are ready to enter the workforce,” he added.  

In response, the CEO of PT Tira Austenite, Selo Winardi, expressed his support for the learning system at SV UGM.

“I am very pleased and gained new insights after hearing how SV UGM implements the professional internship system. This concept aligns perfectly with industry needs, and I am confident this collaboration will bring significant benefits to both parties,” he explained.

The event continued with a presentation of products created by SV UGM students by Dr. Endang Soelistiyowati, M.Pd. The event concluded with an exchange of souvenirs between SV UGM and PT. Tira Austinete, Tbk., followed by a group photo session. This collaboration is expected to cultivate outstanding human resources for Indonesia.

Author: Marwah Putri Nahampun

Yogyakarta, February 4, 2025 – Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) held a Vocational Education Development Dialogue with the theme Strategic Collaboration Towards Indonesia Emas 2045. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D., along with the leaders of SV UGM. The dialogue aimed to strengthen synergy between vocational higher education and the workforce to produce graduates with global competitiveness.

The event, held at the Ballroom of the Teaching Industry Learning Center (TILC) SV UGM, was opened with a speech by the Dean of the Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng.. In his speech, he expressed his hope that this dialogue would serve as a concrete step in the development of vocational higher education in Indonesia.

“Thank you for your time. Today, we have a very special guest, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D. We hope that through this dialogue, we can find the best strategies for developing vocational education in Indonesia. I also hope that this event can foster all of our enthusiasm to continue innovating,” said Prof. Agus Maryono.

Dialogue and Issues on Vocational Education

The event continued with an interactive dialogue session moderated by Prof. Agus Maryono. One of the main issues discussed was the abolition of the Directorate General of Vocational Higher Education, which has raised concerns among vocational higher education institutions regarding the sustainability of vocational development in the future.

In response, Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D., emphasized that even without a dedicated directorate, vocational education remains an important component of the national development strategy.

“The President has outlined four key priorities for the government: job creation, productivity enhancement, energy and food security, and investment breakthroughs. All four are closely linked to vocational education. We at the Ministry continue to provide full support, such as through the Skema Mitras DUDI program, whose results have proven to be very effective,” explained Prof. Stella.  

Furthermore, she also stressed that vocational education should no longer be viewed as a second-choice option.  

“We aim to eliminate the stigma that vocational education is a second-class choice. In fact, vocational education plays a strategic role in producing high-quality workforce prepared to enter the industry,” she added.

Visit to the Center of Excellence

In addition to attending the dialogue, the Deputy Minister also had the opportunity to visit the Center of Excellence located in the TILC SV UGM building. During her visit, she inspected various state-of-the-art facilities supporting industry-based vocational learning, including innovation laboratories, applied research centers, and collaboration programs within the business and industrial sector (DUDI).

Prof. Stella Christie expressed her appreciation for the steps taken by SV UGM in creating an innovative vocational education ecosystem that is relevant to industry needs.

“I highly appreciate the facilities available at this Center of Excellence. The collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors, as implemented by SV UGM, is a concrete example of how vocational education can continue to evolve and have a significant impact on the development of Indonesia’s human resources,” she stated.

The dialogue concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session between participants and the Deputy Minister, followed by the handover of a souvenir from Sekolah Vokasi UGM to Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D.

Through this agenda, it is expected that collaboration between vocational higher education, the industrial sector, and the government will become stronger, thereby enhancing Indonesia’s human resource competencies in addressing global challenges toward achieving Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045)

Author: Marwah Putri Nahampun

Editor: Public Relations Sekolah Vokasi UGM

Faculty members and students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) visited the Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) to participate in a Short-Term International Mobility Program on 8th to 9th of January, 2025. The visit, which included discussions on potential collaboration, took place in Room 201 of the Teaching Industry Learning Center (TILC) at Sekolah Vokasi UGM on the 2nd floor from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM WIB.

The event was attended in person by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng., Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Dr. Leo Indra Wardhana, S.E., M.Sc., CFP., Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T., Deputy Dean for Research and Community Service, Dr. Endang Soelistiyowati, S.Pd., M.Pd., as the Vice Dean for Cooperation and Alumni Affairs, Alfelia Nugky Permatasari, S.S., M.A., as the Manager of the International Relations Unit of Sekolah Vokasi UGM along with her team, representatives from UniKL MICET, Amin Safwan Bin Alikasturi as a lecturer, and student representatives from UniKL MICET.

The event is opened with a welcome speech by the Dean of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng., who expressed his hope for further collaboration between SV UGM and UniKL MICET. “Thank you so much for visiting Sekolah Vokasi UGM. This visit is our first visit in 2025. I hope this activity is not merely a visit but will lead to more sustainable collaboration not only now but also in the future.” he explained.

Not only that, the representative and academic advisor from UniKL MICET also expressed their gratitude for being welcomed to Sekolah Vokasi UGM. “Thank you for the warm welcome; it’s very nice. This is my first time here, visiting Sekolah Vokasi UGM. At UniKL, we specialize in Mechanical Engineering; I hope we can work together in the future.” he added. 

The event continued with a sharing session. Sekolah Vokasi UGM, represented by Dr. Endang Soelistiyowati, S.Pd., M.Pd., presented the results of project-based learning by Sekolah Vokasi students. Not only that, to deepen their knowledge, participants were invited to visit the labs in the TILC UGM building, such as the Cultural & Tourism Center, Smart System and Innovation Center, and others.

The event concluded with a group photo and the exchange of souvenirs between SV UGM and UniKL MICET. The visit by faculty and students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) to Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Gadjah Mada is expected to open opportunities for closer collaboration between the two institutions. Discussions on potential collaboration marks an important step in strengthening academic and research ties across borders.  

Author: Marwah Putri Nahampun, Irmanon Rindina