Makassar, 24–25 November 2025 – Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM), was officially invited as a speaker in the Cocoa Downstream Competency Strengthening Program organized by the Agency for Industrial Services Standardization and Policy, through the Center for Standardization and Industrial Services for Plantation Products, Metal Minerals, and Maritime (BBSPJIHPMM) Makassar. The program was designed to enhance the technical capabilities of instructors in cocoa processing, product diversification, and training module development aligned with industrial standardization frameworks.
Dr. Arifin was accompanied by Shodiq Maulana, S.T.P., who supported the facilitation and guided participants throughout the training session.
The training commenced on 24 November 2025, opened by Acting Head of BBSPJIHPMM, Siti Rohmah Siregar, followed by material delivery sessions on Bean-to-Bar Cocoa Processing Technology, Innovative Cocoa-Based Products (Artisan Chocolate, Cocoa Spread, and others), Product Quality Standardization (GMP, HACCP, SNI), and Training Module Design for Cocoa Downstream Development. The materials provided were intended to strengthen participants’ knowledge foundation before entering the practical stage.
The practical implementation took place on 25 November 2025, where Dr. Arifin and the team conducted hands-on cocoa processing training based on international standards. Participants carried out direct production trials to validate theoretical knowledge, improve operational experience, and explore downstream product development opportunities. The practice-based approach enabled participants to experience each step of cacao processing from formulation to final product evaluation.
This initiative reflects DTPB FTP UGM’s ongoing commitment to advancing downstream processing technology, strengthening human resource capacity, and supporting innovation-driven development in Indonesia’s cocoa sector. The dissemination of knowledge and technology through collaborative training is expected to contribute to value-added agro-industry growth and improve the competitiveness of national cocoa products.
The program also supports several pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), particularly in building skilled human resources and promoting sustainable industrial advancement.
Moreover, the invitation of DTPB FTP UGM as a key speaker underscores the recognition of expertise and scientific competence in the field of cocoa downstream processing, strengthening the department’s role as a knowledge contributor and reference in industrial technology development at the national level.
