DPMA IPB University Launches ‘Saba Kampus’ with Village Government, Farmers and MSMEs from 17 Surrounding Campus Villages

The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University held a ‘Saba Kampus’ event at the Agribusiness and Technology Park (ATP), (27/5). This activity gathered village governments, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from 17 surrounding villages as well as introducing ATP as a learning center for the local community.

“Saba Kampus is the starting gate so that village governments, farmers, MSME business actors and IPB University can collaborate in the delivery of knowledge with the main focus on developing the capacity of rural human resources,” said Dr Muhammad Iqbal Irfany, Assistant Director of Social Entrepreneurship, DPMA IPB University.

Director of PMA IPB University, Dr Handian Purwawangsa also revealed that the community should not hesitate to ask IPB University for help in terms of increasing competence, especially in agriculture and business ecosystems. With this program, the community can establish cooperation for assistance from IPB University experts through DPMA.

“We hope this activity can be sustainable and help the community, especially MSMEs and farmers to manage village superior products from upstream to downstream. Quality assistance, competency improvement, product marketing and also building business ecosystem strategies are the main focus for community development,” he hoped.

The event also invited Dr Sofyan Sjaf, Dean of FEMA IPB University to deliver a briefing on rural areas. He said that villages have a lot of potential that must be managed properly.

“Through villages, the welfare of the community, especially related to the economy, can grow. One of the things that can be done is to inventory Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) for the needs of the community,” he said.

The village representatives welcomed the Saba Kampus program and seemed enthusiastic when participating in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) per element. The FGD with the village government was led by Muhammad Isbayu and Danang Aria Nugraha. While the FGD on MSMEs was led by Dr Tjahja Muhandri, one of the IPB University experts who has been concerned about MSMEs. While the FGD on agriculture was led by the manager of ATP IPB University, Sarwono, SP.

Yayat as the Head of Dramaga Village conveyed his impression and message in this event. “We are very happy to be given the opportunity to be able to visit IPB University and participate in this event. We hope to gain knowledge and also be able to study together the problems that exist in the village, especially related to food security,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/MKY)