Yogyakarta, March 19, 2025 – The Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture at UGM, in collaboration with Prospect Institute, held a guest lecture titled Prospect Talks #46 Goes to Campus with the theme “The Future of Agriculture: Agricultural Innovation and the Role of CSR in Achieving It.” The event featured Rinda Primawarto, CSR Manager of PLN Nusantara Power, and Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation at the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. The panel discussion was moderated by Dani Bina Margiana, Training, Certification, & Publishing Supervisor.
This guest lecture explored how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can play a role in improving farmers’ welfare, preserving the environment, and supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector. In his presentation, Rinda Primawarto explained that CSR is not merely a corporate social obligation but also a business strategy that can provide sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits. PLN Nusantara Power, for instance, has implemented various community empowerment programs in the agricultural sector, including training in modern agricultural techniques, distributing high-quality seeds, and promoting more environmentally friendly resource management practices.
Meanwhile, Prof. Subejo highlighted the importance of synergy between industry, academia, and the community in CSR implementation. He emphasized that university involvement can contribute to research and impact evaluation of CSR programs to ensure their benefits are optimized and sustainable. “The main challenges in implementing CSR in the agricultural sector include farmers’ lack of awareness, limited funding, and difficulties in measuring long-term impact. Therefore, multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial,” he stated.
The event was attended by 400 students from the Faculty of Agriculture at UGM as well as corporate practitioners interested in the development of a sustainability-based agricultural sector. In addition to gaining insights into CSR practices supporting agricultural innovation, participants engaged in discussions on the challenges and opportunities for more effective CSR program implementation.
This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which relates to strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing the importance of rural economic development through the agricultural sector; and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), which supports sustainable agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.
Through discussions like this, it is hoped that more companies will recognize the importance of social investment in the agricultural sector, leading to increased innovation for a more sustainable agricultural future.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM