International Students Learn about Cassava Cultivation at IPB University Campus
A total of 12 international students from the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan and Hong Kong took part in the Summer Course at the IPB University Campus, Bogor, until 12 September 2019. This Summer Course was a collaborative program between the Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) of IPB University and Sungai Budi Group, Lampung. Besides international students, three IPB University students also participated in this Summer Course.
Deputy Dean for Resources, Collaboration and Development of IPB University FEM, Dr Tanti Novianti, said, participants joined the field study in the Jonggol field laboratory and Sungai Budi Group Lampung. In Jonggol, international students studied cassava and oil palm cultivation. While in Sungai Budi Groups Company, Lampung, which is also a partner of IPB University, they studied sugarcane cultivation. They were very excited to learn how to cultivate the cassava.
“This year, the commodities discussed at the Summer Course are expanded. In addition to palm oil commodity, participants will also learn about cassava and sugar cane. The students study agribusiness and sustainable sciences, which are the most important economic activities and new methods of the agricultural sector,” said Dr Tanti during the opening ceremony of the summer course at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (4/9).
Dr Tanti hoped that from this activity, the students could gain knowledge and experience, understand the inclusive and sustainable agribusiness in Indonesia, and be able to work together in teams to develop international networks. “IPB University promotes innovation and knowledge for the community through foreign students studying at the IPB University Campus,” she added.
Meanwhile, Director of IPB University’s International Program, Prof Iskandar Zulkarnain Siregar said that the Summer Course program is one of the internationalisation activities. Through the Summer Course program, IPB University students can have interaction and exchange experiences and information about agriculture with students from other countries.
“International students can learn to communicate with IPB University students, especially learning about contemporary agribusiness in Indonesia, in which the topic is now expanded, not only about oil palm but also cassava and sugar cane,” he said.
IPB University, as an agricultural university, has the potential to hold such activity to attract international students to study at the university. This activity is also a means to promote IPB University as one of the world-class universities. Besides that, it introduces the role of universities in developing sustainable agrifood management in Indonesia. One of them is through teaching farm in various work units within IPB University.
“This activity will further strengthen the reputation of IPB University in the development of tropical agriculture at the international level,” he said. (awl/zul/zsp)
