“Kunjungan Ilmiah” (Scientific Visits), or what is familiarly called “KUIL,” is one of the flagship activities of the Public Relations division “Keluarga Mahasiswa Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian (KMSEP).” This activity provides an opportunity for UGM Agricultural Socioeconomic Department students to gain information and learn directly regarding the implementation of Agricultural Socioeconomic science through visits to universities and agro-industry. This year, KUIL Sosek was attended by 52 student participants and one accompanying lecturer. This activity was held on 27-29 October 2023, focusing mainly on visits to Padjadjaran University and Nabila Farm.
On the first agenda, KUIL Sosek participants conducted a comparative study at Padjadjaran University, especially in the agribusiness department. Participants not only interacted with UNPAD students but also held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) regarding the role of students in realizing sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. This initiative was taken as a real effort to encourage the implementation of food sovereignty in the future. During their visit to UNPAD, participants also carried out a Faculty Tour activity to get to know the campus environment of the Faculty of Agriculture at Padjadjaran University.
On the second day, KUIL Sosek participants continued their journey to Nabila Farm in Lembang, Bandung. Nabila Farm is an agro-industry that provides various business units such as hydroponic vegetable cultivation, garden vegetable cultivation, mini cactus cultivation, fruit cultivation, and dairy goat cultivation. At Nabila Farm, participants were allowed to listen to explanations from the founder of Nabila Farm regarding business strategies and the cultivation of crops and livestock, which are closely related to the socioeconomic science of agriculture. Apart from that, on the second day, participants were also invited to observe the plantation and livestock processes of Nabila Farm. In closing, participants were given organic vegetables from the garden to take home as a form of appreciation for their participation.
Sosek KUIL activities are not just an ordinary trip but a means of learning and exchanging ideas between students. Holding this activity is hoped to motivate students to innovate for the Indonesian agricultural sector. The involvement of students in their role as agents of change in realizing sustainable agriculture is a valuable first step for developing the agricultural sector in Indonesia.