Sustainability at University
Ecotica participated in an academic committee, advocating sustainability.
The committee taking place at the Faculty of Agriculture of Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Including academicians, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, professionals, alumni and Ecotica.
Our organization contributed to the conversation in various ways. We highlighted the importance of developing critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills in agribusiness and agrotechnology graduates. These skills are crucial for navigating a rapidly changing environment, adapting to new technologies, and re-evaluating farming practices for sustainability.
We proposed a dedicated sustainability module within the curriculum. This would provide in-depth learning about nature, ecosystem services, human history, agriculture’s impact, current food system challenges, past solutions, and necessary changes for a sustainable future. Sustainability is currently treated as a vague descriptor added to business jargon. We need a clear, detailed definition to help future graduates to apply it in the real world.
Some other takeaways from our meeting:
The current Indonesian administration’s agricultural policies prioritize food security and self-sufficiency. Key strategies include increasing maize and rice production to ensure the country can feed its population.
The government has acknowledged the increasing problem of land conversion. It is currently averaging five hectares of agricultural land lost daily in the region due to conversion for housing and commercial development. Ecotica has long highlighted this issue and we wish to raise more awareness about agricultural land loss.
