Yogyakarta, January 19, 2026 — The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), welcomed an academic visit from Prof. Byoung Kwan Cho of the Department of Biosystems Machinery Engineering, Chungnam National University, South Korea. This visit marked a strategic momentum to strengthen international networking and promote research collaboration oriented toward sustainable development.
Prof. Cho was welcomed by the Head of the DTPB Department, Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, and the Department Secretary, Chandra Setyawan, Ph.D., along with the Heads of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs, Hanim Zuhrotul Amanah, Ph.D., and Dr. Rudiati Evi Masithoh. Also in attendance were Prof. Bambang Purwantana, as well as the Coordinators of the Scientific Expertise Groups (KBK), namely Biosystems Machinery Technology (TMB), Biological Environmental Control Technology (TPLH), and Postharvest and Bioprocess Technology (TPPB), represented by Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., Dr. Murtiningrum, and Dr. Devi Yuni Susanti.
The meeting began with a presentation by Dr. Rudiati Evi Masithoh, outlining Prof. Cho’s agenda during his activities at DTPB FTP UGM, including a guest lecture for DTPB postgraduate students scheduled for January 20, 2026. Subsequently, Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro introduced the department’s recent developments and explained the research directions of DTPB, which emphasize innovation in sustainable agricultural and biosystems technologies.
During the visit, Prof. Cho also met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, Prof. Eni Harmayani, accompanied by the Vice Deans for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, as well as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Sri Rahayoe and Prof. Yudi Pranoto.
The visit continued to the Bioscience Laboratory, where Prof. Cho observed the use of VIS–NIR equipment currently utilized by postgraduate students Luthfi and Intan in their research activities. An intensive discussion took place regarding research methods and technological applications, generating valuable insights to support the refinement of the students’ research.
Further activities included a visit to the Smart Agri Plant Factory, where Prof. Cho explored plant factory facilities as platforms for modern agricultural learning and research. The facility was presented by Master’s student Athalla Fawwaz, who explained the role of plant factory systems in supporting efficient and sustainable agricultural production.
This series of activities aligns with DTPB FTP UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through agricultural technology innovation, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through collaborative research and technological advancement, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of international academic partnerships.
Through the visit of Prof. Byoung Kwan Cho, DTPB FTP UGM expects to realize sustainable research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and human resource capacity development in line with the department’s vision to become a world-class center of excellence in agricultural and biosystems engineering education and research.
