Surakarta, 12 November 2025 — The Agrotechnology Study Programme of the Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University (FP UNS) held a Practitioner Teaching activity with the theme ‘Optimising Potato Production Through the Use of Technology and Climate Change Mitigation.’ This activity was conducted online via Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, from 09.00 WIB until completion.
This Practitioner Teaching event featured Agus Wibowo, S.P., Director of PT. Agro Lestari Merbabu in Magelang Regency, Central Java, as the main speaker. Agus Wibowo, S.P., an alumnus of the Agrotechnology Study Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, shared his experiences and knowledge regarding the application of technology in potato cultivation and strategies for dealing with climate change challenges that affect agricultural productivity. The event was moderated by Dr. Fitria Roviqowati, S.P., M.P., a lecturer at the Agrotechnology Study Programme, FP UNS.
The event opened with a speech by the Head of the Agrotechnology Study Programme at the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Ir. Muji Rahayu, M.P., who expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this activity as a form of synergy between the academic world and the agricultural industry. The involvement of alumni strengthens the collaborative ecosystem between campuses, the industrial world, and the community to keep pace with the needs of the world of work and the latest developments in agricultural technology. The next speech was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Samanhudi, S.P., M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng., who also officially opened the event. Prof. Samanhudi appreciated the speakers who demonstrated that being active during college leads to success, as proven by Agus Wibowo, S.P., who was active as President of the UNS Faculty of Agriculture Student Executive Board and achieved many national/international accomplishments during his college years, and has now become a successful entrepreneur. Alumni are a reflection of the success of the learning process on campus, as well as a tangible bridge between the academic and professional worlds. When alumni return to their alma mater to share their experiences, they not only transfer technical knowledge or field practices, but also instil the spirit, work ethic, and values of struggle that have led them to success. Students are expected to learn directly from the speakers’ real-life experiences.
In his presentation, Agus Wibowo, S.P. explained that there has been a trend of climate change over the last 30 years, including the onset of the dry season advancing by 0.3-2 months, the onset of the rainy season delaying by 0.3-1 month, a decrease in rainfall during the dry season, an increase in rainfall during the rainy season, and an increase in the El Nino cycle from once every 3-7 years to once every 2-5 years. Extreme climate change has a significant impact on potato crop productivity and resilience. Therefore, it is necessary to apply appropriate technologies, ranging from land management, selection of superior varieties, strengthening investment in farms (soil and water conservation programmes, drainage and irrigation, soil health through organic matter management, and ecosystem balancing and diversification) to optimise production yields. The Phytobiome-Metabiome approach, which is the interaction of all ecosystem components, will be used to identify the best varieties and management practices for specific locations and periods – location-specific (precision). Agus Wibowo, S.P. also emphasised the importance of applying the principles of climate change mitigation and adaptation in agricultural practices.
The event was enthusiastically attended by lecturers, students, and members of the public who actively participated in the discussion session. Through this activity, it is hoped that participants will gain new insights into the application of modern agricultural technology and climate adaptation strategies in increasing potato productivity.
