National Planning Minister Reviews Edufarmers Research Center in Klaten
Minister for National Development Planning and Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Rachmat Pambudy conducted a working visit to the Edufarmers Research Center in Mlese, Ceper, Klaten Regency, on Saturday. The strategic visit was undertaken to review the development of agricultural technology innovation, optimisation of extension services, and strengthening of farmer welfare in support of the national food security agenda.
During the visit, the minister and his delegation toured several key facilities, including the greenhouse and integrated research area. The group had the opportunity to observe first-hand the application of modern agricultural technology, the HARA soil interpretation system, and the use of artificial intelligence-based extension services via the WhatsApp platform designed to assist farmers in making data-driven decisions in the field.
Also present at the inspection were Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Prof Hartono, Deputy for Food and Natural Resources at Bappenas Dr Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo, Expert Staff to the Minister for National Development Planning Teni Widuriyanti, as well as officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas and the Klaten Regency Government.
From the organisers and partners, leaders of the Edufarmers Foundation and JAPFA welcomed the visit, including Edufarmers Foundation Chairman Yahja Djanggola, Edufarmers Foundation CEO Amri Ilmma, JAPFA Director Rachmat Indrajaya, and Edufarmers Foundation AVP Ignatius Egan.
Minister for National Development Planning Prof Rachmat Pambudy expressed appreciation for the cross-sector collaboration that integrates academic research, private sector participation, and direct assistance to farmers in Klaten. “I feel there is hope for agriculture in Indonesia with the innovation developed by Edufarmers,” he said.
Edufarmers Foundation AVP Ignatius Egan said the organisation provides easy access to information for farmers through Pak Dayat AI. “It began with an effort to bring research results from the research centre so that they could become something useful and easily accessible to farmers,” he said on Saturday.
He said the foundation has a training programme but its reach is limited, so an AI system was chosen to distribute knowledge. “So with just their smartphone, they can access and ask questions via WhatsApp with Pak Dayat AI,” he added.