UNDIP Prepares Independent Agricultural Talent in Papua
UNDIP, Senggi, Keerom Regency (September 30) – Strengthening agriculture in transmigration areas requires skilled and independent human resources. Infrastructure development alone cannot ensure sustainable agricultural growth. Local communities also need young people who can manage and develop agricultural potential.
To address this need, Team 7 of the Diponegoro University Patriot Expedition Team (TEP UNDIP) provides learning assistance at SMKN 2 Keerom. The program focuses on students in the Agribusiness and Agrotechnology departments.
TEP UNDIP tailors its learning materials to local agricultural conditions. Topics include crop cultivation, agricultural technology, farm management, post-harvest processing, and business opportunities.
Through these activities, students learn to view agriculture as a sector with strong potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. They also explore the role of technology and sustainable farm management in modern agriculture.
TEP UNDIP Expands Agricultural Learning at SMKN 2 Keerom
The program also addresses a shortage of teaching staff at SMKN 2 Keerom. Ike, an agricultural teacher at the school, explained that she handles all agricultural subjects, including both theory and practical lessons.
“I am the only teacher responsible for agricultural education, covering both theory and practice. This creates limitations in delivering lessons. However, we continue to do our best to provide students with the knowledge and experience they need to understand agriculture,” Ike said.
TEP UNDIP’s presence creates opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge and gain practical experience. The team connects classroom learning with agricultural challenges in the Senggi transmigration area.
These challenges include climate change adaptation, limited agricultural inputs, improved land productivity, and food security. As a result, students learn not only to understand theory but also to analyze problems and develop solutions based on local potential.
Preparing Young People to Advance Agriculture in Keerom
Fajrin Pramana Putra, S.P., M.Sc., leader of TEP UNDIP Team 7, emphasized the importance of developing human resources alongside agricultural infrastructure.
“Strengthening agriculture requires more than building facilities and infrastructure. We must also prepare young people with the knowledge and skills to manage the agricultural sector in the future,” Fajrin said.
He explained that young people in Keerom play an important role in sustaining agribusiness and regional food security. Therefore, students need practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge.
These skills can help them become innovative entrepreneurs, agricultural practitioners, and professional workers. With the right knowledge and experience, young people can contribute to developing Papua’s agricultural potential.
TEP UNDIP Collaboration Supports Agricultural Independence in Papua
Fajrin Pramana Putra, S.P., M.Sc., leads TEP UNDIP Team 7. The team members are Adelia Regita Andini, S.P.W.K.; Siti Nuriyana, S.Si.; Samuel Hasudungan Hutagalung, S.P.W.K.; Punggah Assa’bana, S.P.; and Rizal Fahmi Imanullah, S.P.
The program forms part of UNDIP’s community engagement efforts in transmigration areas. More than a learning assistance initiative, it supports farmer regeneration and promotes regional self-reliance.
Education plays an important role in preparing young people to develop Papua’s natural resources. Through scientific knowledge and practical skills, students can innovate and contribute to local development.
Ultimately, strengthening agricultural human resources represents an important step toward sustainable agriculture in Keerom. Collaboration between universities and schools also creates opportunities to develop agricultural education that better meets local needs.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
TEP UNDIP Team 7’s learning assistance also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program supports four key goals.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Strengthening agricultural knowledge and food security.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Expanding learning opportunities and providing educational support for students.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Developing agricultural skills and encouraging entrepreneurship among young people.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthening collaboration between universities and schools.
Through this initiative, UNDIP helps prepare a skilled, innovative, and independent younger generation. These efforts aim to strengthen local agricultural potential and support sustainable development in Papua.