Indonesian Minister of Education and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto PhD (left) and ITS Chancellor Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD in the Forwarek for Cooperation in State Universities – ISI throughout Indonesia 2025

ITS Campus, ITS News – In order to achieve the vision of Indonesian food sovereignty, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) held a Vice Chancellor Forum (Forwarek) for Cooperation between State Universities (PTN) and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) throughout Indonesia 2025, Thursday (25/9). Carrying the theme of Synergy of Higher Education to Improve Food Security , the forum held in the Senate Meeting Room, 1st floor of the ITS Rectorate Building was attended directly by 32 representatives of PTN-ISI from all over Indonesia.

Also in attendance was the Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, PhD. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of innovation and research collaboration, not just within the academic environment. This collaboration needs to be integrated with the needs of industry, particularly farmers, so that the benefits can be felt directly. “This way, the sustainability of food security will continue to improve,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MSc, Eng, PhD, in his remarks also stated that universities play a vital role in supporting Indonesia’s food security. This role extends beyond developing human resources (HR) and developing applicable and impactful research.

Expert Staff to the Minister for Downstreaming of Indonesian Livestock Products, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus DAA DEA, delivered material at the 2025 Forwarek for Cooperation between PTN and ISI throughout Indonesia at ITS.

Bambang further added that this meeting also serves as a crucial opportunity for universities to make a tangible contribution to the nation. He hopes that this forum will enable universities to play a greater role in supporting national food security. “Hopefully, this forum will generate innovations and strategies that will have a real impact,” he said.

Echoing Bambang, the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture’s Expert Staff for Downstreaming of Livestock Products, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus DAA DEA, explained that food challenges cannot be solved partially but require collaboration and synergy between stakeholders. Therefore, cooperation between universities, government, and industry must continue to be strengthened through forums like this.

Indonesian Minister of Education and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto PhD (wearing a black suit) giving a speech at the 2025 Indonesian PTN – ISI Cooperation Forum at ITS

Ali further emphasized that several factors must be prioritized to achieve food sovereignty. These include the provision of superior seeds, balanced fertilizers, rice field management, and irrigation and infrastructure development. “Furthermore, improving farmer competency and regeneration are also our top priorities,” he concluded.

ITS Chancellor Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (second from right) presented a souvenir to the Indonesian Minister of Education and Science and Technology Prof Brian Yuliarto PhD (second from left)

One example of its implementation is the application of modern agricultural concepts. Ali explained that this farming system focuses on the concepts of smart farming , agricultural digitalization, and empowering young farmer startups . According to him, this implementation is tailored to the needs of the younger generation, who are considered more adept at understanding data, facts, and digital innovation.

Participants of the Vice Chancellor Forum (Forwarek) for Cooperation between State Universities and the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (ISI) in 2025 with the Indonesian Minister of Education and Technology, Prof. Brian Yulianto, PhD, at the ITS Rectorate Building.

Regarding smart farming , Ali explained that this concept uses a digital technology-based agricultural model that allows for more accurate observation and measurement. By strengthening technological innovation in the agricultural sector, farming activities can be carried out efficiently and environmentally friendly. “The future of Indonesian agriculture currently depends heavily on the younger generation who are able to utilize technology effectively,” he said.

Through this forum, ITS once again demonstrated its contribution to supporting several points of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Specifically, point 2 concerns reducing hunger; point 9 concerns innovation, industry, and infrastructure; and point 17 concerns collaboration to achieve these goals. This is reflected in the Forwarek agenda, which encourages university collaboration in research, innovation, and strategic partnerships. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Khaila Bening Amanda Putri
Translator : Devinka Mutianeira