PONTIANAK, WEST KALIMANTAN – A team of lecturers and researchers from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has completed a field visit to Wilmar International Plantation in West Kalimantan on 8–10 December 2025. This visit was part of the Primestep initiative to follow up on a research collaboration focused on the development of precision and sustainable agricultural technologies.
The UGM team, bringing expertise in biosystems informatics, environmental engineering, and drone technology, consisted of Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., Dr. Prieskarinda Lestari, Ardan Wiratmoko, STP., M.Sc., and Samuel Gatot Marseno, STP.
During collaborative research discussions with representatives of Wilmar International Plantation, including Dr. Suwardi, as well as researchers from the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (PPKS) represented by Dr. Nuzul Hijri Dahlan and Muhdan Syarovi, STP., M.Sc., several key points were addressed:
Development of a Counterfeit Fertilizer Detection System:
The UGM team presented progress on the third-generation counterfeit fertilizer detection system, which is scheduled for patent submission. Collaboration with PPKS was proposed to integrate spectroscopic sensors for detecting mixed fertilizers and the use of non-water solvents for phosphorus detection. The preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was also emphasized to support distribution and education efforts.
Preliminary Testing of Fruit Ripeness Detection:
Initial testing of the Felix Instrument (Felix F750) for detecting the ripeness of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of oil palm was conducted. UGM and PPKS will jointly develop realistic fruit ripeness standards for field implementation based on Wilmar’s grading standards.
Peatland Water Table Monitoring:
UGM proposed the development of an integrated dashboard for monitoring groundwater level (water table depth) to support decision-making in peatland water management, in line with Wilmar’s water management strategy.
Carbon Capture Research:
Dr. Prieskarinda Lestari discussed the potential for carbon capture research in relation to sustainable environmental management.
The field visit also included direct testing of the Felix F750 instrument for FFB quality assessment. Wilmar’s Assistant General Manager, Mr. Sutanto, expressed appreciation for the technological innovations introduced by UGM. Meanwhile, Wilmar West Kalimantan General Manager, Dr. Suwardi, highlighted the importance of collaboration in refining water management practices to establish best practices for peatland management.
The collaboration between UGM, Wilmar, and PPKS is expected to continue generating innovative solutions that support sustainable agriculture, food security, and efficient natural resource management, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
