Chiang Mai, Thailand – The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), in collaboration with Universitas Ciputra Surabaya, conducted a joint research activity under the Collaborative Excellence Research Program (RIKUB) initiated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia (Kemdiktisaintek).
The RIKUB program is designed to support cross-institutional collaborative research that produces tangible innovations and delivers direct impacts on society and industry. Under this program, the UGM–Universitas Ciputra research team carries the theme “Sustainability Strategies and Technology Adoption as Drivers of Innovation and Efficiency in Small- and Medium-Scale Coffee Industries.”
As part of the research implementation, the team conducted a research visit and field-based learning activities in Thailand from 6–10 December 2025, aiming to strengthen research collaboration and broaden insights into sustainable coffee industry development from upstream to downstream sectors.
The UGM delegation consisted of Dr. Joko Nugroho Wahyu Kariyadi, Dr. Chandra Setyawan, Dr. Makbul Hajad, Dr. Ansita Gupitakingin Pradipta, Dr. Dwi Ayuni and Musyrifah Kurniawati, S.T.P., while the Universitas Ciputra team was represented by Dr. Teofilus, Yoseva Maria Pujirahayu, M.B.A., dan Dr. Fahrul Riza. During the visit, the team visited three strategic institutions in Chiang Mai representing community-based coffee production, academic research, and integrated coffee industry practices.
Learning Community-Based Coffee Production
Kunjungan pertama dilaksanakan di Khun Chang Kian Community Enterprise, yang berlokasi di Ban Khun Chang Kian, Chiang Mai. Rombongan diterima oleh pemilik usaha, Mr. Narong Yangyuenkul dan Mr. Yodthong Chaeyang. Dalam kesempatan tersebut, tim berdiskusi secara langsung mengenai tahapan produksi kopi skala kecil hingga menengah, mulai dari pengelolaan kebun, penanganan pascapanen, hingga pengolahan kopi sederhana berbasis komunitas.
Kegiatan ini memberikan wawasan mengenai model usaha kopi berbasis masyarakat yang berorientasi pada keberlanjutan, pelibatan petani lokal, serta peningkatan nilai tambah produk kopi daerah.
Strengthening International Academic Networking
The second agenda took place at the Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai. The delegation was received by Dr. Jaturapatr Varith, Dr. Kanokwan Tandee, Dr. Chawakorn Sringenyuang, and Dr. Teerapol Senphan. The meeting focused on initiating international research collaboration and exchanging information on research focus areas and achievements from each institution.
The visit also included a tour of laboratory facilities to observe research infrastructure firsthand and explore opportunities for joint utilization in collaborative research in agricultural engineering, agro-industry, and food technology.
Study of Integrated Coffee Industry Practices
The visit concluded with a trip to Hillkoff Co., Ltd., located in Inthakhil Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. The team was welcomed by Managing Director Ms. Naruemon Taksaudom and her team. Hillkoff presented its integrated coffee business model covering production, processing, quality control, product development strategies, and farmer empowerment.
Through this visit, the research team gained insights into sustainable coffee industry practices that integrate quality management, sustainability principles, and commercial-scale marketing strategies.
The research visit conducted from 6–10 December 2025 is expected to serve as a strong foundation for developing collaborative research, technological innovation in the coffee sector, and strengthening international networks between Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Ciputra, and academic and industrial partners in Thailand.
