On Saturday, May 4, 2024, the Student Family of the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics (KMSEP) at Gadjah Mada University, in collaboration with the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute (PAPSI) and the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), hosted a book review seminar titled “Myths vs Facts: Indonesian Palm Oil Industry in Global Social, Economic and Environmental Issues, Fourth Edition.” This event, graced by 221 participants, including esteemed figures from the industrial and academic sectors, aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the palm oil industry. Notable attendees included Dr. Ir. Tungkot Sipayung (Executive Director of PAPSI), Eddy Abdurrachman (Main Director of BPDPKS), and leading lecturers from Gadjah Mada University such as Dr. Dyah Woro Untari, Prof. Dr. Jamhari, Dr. Siti Mutiah Setiawati, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Raharjo. read more

Recently, several young lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, released three inspiring books. This achievement not only reflects the dedication and competence of young lecturers in the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics but is also a significant marker in the current development of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. With passion and in-depth knowledge, our lecturers have produced work that has the potential to become a major pillar in academic literature in their field. read more

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, an atmosphere of togetherness and warmth colored the Hardjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The Syawalan of the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics activities was finally held again after being stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attended by the entire extended family of the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, including students, lecturers, teaching staff, and other important figures, this activity was not just a routine gathering but also a special moment to reunite in warmth and togetherness. read more

On April 24, 2024, the Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, celebrated the Period III Postgraduate Program Graduation ceremony at the Hardjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture UGM. This event marked the successful completion of academic journeys for 44 male and female graduates from 9 postgraduate programs, a collective achievement that we all can be proud of.

The Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics also contributed brilliantly by graduating 15 graduates from two of its superior programs. The Master’s Program in Agricultural Economics graduated one graduate, while the Master’s Program in Agribusiness Management graduated 14 graduates. This outstanding achievement indicates the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics’ commitment to producing future leaders who are competent in their fields. read more

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics UGM, held a Guest Lecture as part of the mandatory Agricultural Extension and Communication course. This event raised the theme “Agricultural Extension to Increase Motivation of Agricultural Human Resources” by presenting two speakers who are competent in their fields, namely Mrs. Rosalia Natalia Seleky, Ph.D. (Lecturer at Shimane University, Japan) and Mr. Opik Mahendra, S.P., M .Sc., (Head of Bapeltan Central Java). This activity provided in-depth insight to more than 350 students from all study programs at the Faculty of Agriculture regarding the important role of extension in increasing the motivation and skills of agricultural human resources in an era that continues to develop.

Mrs. Rosalia Natalia Seleky, Ph.D., brings a policy and innovation perspective from the country of Sakura. She enthusiastically shares her experience and knowledge in developing the motivation and skills of agricultural human resources through a targeted and effective extension approach. Meanwhile, Mr. Opik Mahendra, S.P., M.Sc., presented a deeply rooted local perspective. He raised awareness of the importance of extension in building farmers’ abilities and encouraged their enthusiasm in facing the challenges of the ever-evolving times.

This event is not just an intellectual meeting but also an important milestone in strengthening the connection between theory and practice in agriculture. Students are not only given knowledge but also inspiration to contribute significantly to alleviating existing agricultural problems. Not only is it academically relevant, but this activity also significantly impacts achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are moving towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive vision by empowering agricultural human resources through an extension approach.

Every year, students of the Master of Agribusiness Management (MMA) Study Program at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) undertake a scientific journey known as Widyakarya. This event is a mandatory activity to fulfill the curriculum and a valuable opportunity for students to broaden their horizons about agribusiness management practices in various parts of the world. This year, the activity was carried out from 25 to 29 February 2024, with Thailand as the destination country, a country rich in culture, natural wealth, and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Widyakarya began with a visit to the Big Bee Garden, an educational tourist destination that offers in-depth insight into bee cultivation and pure honey production. Here, students gain new knowledge about the vital role of bees in the ecosystem and purchase high-quality honey products without added sugar. This experience provides a deeper understanding of the potential of the bee industry and its products in the context of agribusiness management.

Next, students visited YARA International, a leading company that produces and distributes high-tech fertilizers. Here, they had the chance to visit three exciting locations: distributor partners, farm partners, and bagging factories. Through this visit, students saw firsthand the manufacturing process and applying YARA fertilizer in the field and understood marketing and distribution strategies for modern agricultural products.

The next visit took students to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Thailand, where they gained in-depth insight into the banking sector’s important role in supporting the agricultural sector’s growth. BAAC Thailand not only provides financial access to farmers but also provides education and assistance to ensure the sustainability of agricultural businesses. This provides a new perspective on how financial institutions can become strategic partners in developing agribusiness.

This scientific trip closed with a visit to Kasetsart University, a renowned higher education institution in Thailand. Here, students not only learn about the learning system and campus environment but are also introduced to various aspects of campus life. This opportunity is not only a learning opportunity but also expands networks and intercultural experiences for students.

Overall, this experience not only provides students with new knowledge but also adds in-depth insight into cultural diversity and the natural environment. Widyakarya 2024 will be an unforgettable journey, expanding students’ global horizons in applying agribusiness knowledge and supporting the sustainable development agenda.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, the Agribusiness Management Master’s Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Gadjah Mada University, held a guest lecture on the exciting topic of “Contract Farming in Japan.” This event was open to students at the Master’s level as well as Undergraduate and Doctoral students in the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics.

At the event, lecturers from Tohoku University, Japan, Prof. Tsuyoshi Sumita, known as Sensei Tsuyoshi, Also present as moderator was Mrs. Rosalia Natalia Seleky, S.P., M.Agr., Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Agricultural Economics, Shimane University, Japan.

Prof. Tsuyoshi discusses Contract Farming in Japan in depth. He explains the concept of community farming, its differences from contract farming, and its history and sustainability in Japan. In the discussion, it is emphasized that Indonesia and Japan have similar challenges in the agricultural sector, especially related to the problem of the age of farmers who tend to be older and the lack of interest of the younger generation in being involved in agriculture.

Community farming in Japan originated from the need for labor during the cultivation process, giving rise to a labor exchange system between farming households. This system allows farmers to use machinery and coordinates the cultivation process and financial turnover. The production results are then marketed collectively through cooperatives.

Prof. Tsuyoshi not only provided an overview of the practice but also inspired the application of a similar concept in Indonesia, considering the country’s great potential in the agricultural sector. The success of community farming in Japan shows that coordination and efficiency can be achieved through this model, especially in terms of costs.

The importance of integrating this topic with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be overlooked. Practices such as community farming and contract farming in Japan have great potential to support the achievement of several SDGs, especially those related to poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable economic development.

Thus, this guest lecture provides new insights into the agricultural context and invites us to consider how these concepts can be adapted to achieve sustainable development goals.

The Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has successfully held the Period II Undergraduate Program Graduation on February 21, 2024. The event occurred at the Hardjono Danoesastro Auditorium, UGM Faculty of Agriculture, and was attended by graduates, families, and other guests.

In this period, 76 graduates from 8 undergraduate study programs at the Faculty of Agriculture completed their studies. Of this number, the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics contributed to graduating 12 graduates, 11 of whom came from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program. In contrast, another came from the Agricultural Extension and Communication study program.

The average GPA of graduates from the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics who graduated in this period reached 3.64, with an average study period of 4 years and six months. One achievement that we should appreciate is that of Mufti Ardhi Perwiraddin, who emerged as the Best Graduate of the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics with a GPA of 3.76.

Mufti Ardhi Perwiraddin conveyed his impressions and hopes, “Education is the power of life, and life teaches us how unique we are; for me, the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics is a comfortable home for learning, growing, and developing. Lecturers with their uniqueness, fast administrative services, as well as colleagues who are diligent and smart. Participating in competition activities, KKN, MBKM, and other learning facilities will be a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable experience. Hopefully, the agricultural socio-economic department will become a more beautiful home, beautiful, valuable, and capable of creating future generations that are useful for agricultural development. For friends of the younger generation, remain enthusiastic and active in seeking knowledge because human status will be higher with knowledge. The spirit of fighting, hopefully, will become more kind, active, enterprising, and strong and make both parents proud. Thanks for everything, and good luck.”

As part of our hopes for the future, we hope that future graduates can continue contributing to sustainable development through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by utilizing the knowledge and experience they gained while at university. Congratulations to all graduates; we hope success always accompanies your future steps.

On Monday, February 19, 2024, the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Gadjah Mada University, held a Graduation Ceremony in Room 203 MMA, Sosek A10 Building, UGM Faculty of Agriculture. This activity is valuable for prospective graduates from the Agricultural Extension and Communication and Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness study programs.

The event began with a warm welcome from the presenter, then continued with inspiring words from the Head of the Department, Mr. Dr. Tall Handoyo Mulyo, M.Ec. He encouraged the graduates to maintain the excellent name of Gadjah Mada University wherever they are. “Be an empowered individual for the environment and continue to contribute to the progress of society and sustainable development,” he said enthusiastically.

The speech from the UGM Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics graduate, Mufti Ardhi Perwiraddin, added a touch of emotion to the event. Mufti expressed his gratitude for his achievement as the department’s best graduate in this period. “We all have the potential to impact society and the environment positively,” he said enthusiastically.

The UGM Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics is committed to continuing to produce graduates who care about and contribute to sustainable development, especially in the agricultural and food security sectors. The Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics graduates will officially graduate on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. With enthusiasm continuing to burn, let’s continue the struggle to achieve a sustainable vision for a better future. May success and blessings always accompany all of our steps.

On February 7, 2024, the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, completed the Department’s MBKM Student Debriefing and Deployment activities. This activity took place in Building A10, Room 301, and was attended by all lecturers and students in the class of 2021 who will undergo the Independent Campus Learning (MBKM) program.

The briefing session was an essential moment in the event. Students attended a material presentation session by speaker Gideon Surya P., S.Kom., PLT from the Swaragama Training Center. In his presentation, he discussed Work Ethics and Professional Communication.

One of the essential points expressed is that good communication ethics starts from determining the “Outer View” and “Inner View.” The Outer View is part of the appearance visible from the outside, which must be adjusted to the culture and rules that apply in the work environment. Meanwhile, The Inner View is essential even though it is not visible. The inner view can be formulated in the IAN concept: Integrity, Active Contribution, and Neutrality. Students looked enthusiastic about participating in this activity from start to finish.

After the training, the activity continued with the agenda of symbolically deploying MBKM students. This stage began with remarks from the Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics Chair, followed by a reading of student data by the heads of each EPA and PKP Study Program. Finally, a symbolic release was carried out by the Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation and continued with a symbolic reception by representatives of MBKM partners.

The Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics hopes that students who have officially been included in the MBKM program can make maximum contributions to the activities that will be carried out and receive many benefits and valuable experiences from each stage of the MBKM program. This success will be a good start for their journey in pursuing their dreams and achieving achievements in the future.