SKPM IPB University Successfully Hosts RUSET 2024: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Rural Development
The Department of Communication and Community Development Science (SKPM) at the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema), IPB University, successfully organized the 5th International Conference on Rural Socio-economic Transformation (RUSET) 2024. This marks the fifth annual RUSET international conference since it was first launched in 2019.
This year’s theme, “Toward Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Robust Agriculture 4.0, and Inclusive Community Development,” attracted over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds.
The RUSET 2024 International Conference aims to bring together experts and practitioners in rural development to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative strategies that can be applied to improve community welfare.
In his opening remarks, Prof Arif Satria, Rector of IPB University, stated, “The transformations occurring in rural areas have, on the other hand, led to marginalization and worsened quality of life. An international conference is vital to creating international collaboration and building a more sustainable future for rural communities.”
The hybrid event was held at Hotel Salak The Heritage and via Zoom, providing convenience for participants from various countries. The event featured two main activities: plenary sessions and parallel sessions.
The plenary sessions served as a platform for keynote speakers to present their latest findings on conference topics based on their research and expertise.
On the first day, the plenary session included three keynote speakers: Prof Syed Farid Alatas (National University of Singapore), Dr Anna Snider (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), and Dr G. Manickam Govindaraju (Taylor’s University), with Prof Arya Hadi Dharmawan as moderator. On the second day, Dr Korakit Choomgrant (Kasetsart University) and Dr Siti Amanah (IPB University) presented, moderated by Dr Alfian Helmi.
Meanwhile, the parallel sessions offered participants the opportunity to present research relevant to the conference theme. These sessions were divided into three focus areas: Agrarian and Ecology, addressing agricultural and environmental issues; Communication and Extension, focusing on communication and extension strategies; and Community Development, exploring approaches to community empowerment.
Thus, the conference not only served as a platform for information sharing but also encouraged constructive interaction and discussion among participants, fostering beneficial collaboration in rural development.
Dr Anna Fatchiya, Chairperson of the SKPM Department at IPB University, remarked, “I believe the insights gained during this event will be invaluable for us all, as they help us identify opportunities and challenges in rural development.”
“This event also provides an excellent opportunity to forge connections and build mutually beneficial partnerships among participants, speakers, and all stakeholders,” she added. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
