YOGYAKARTA – The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM) hosted a strategic meeting with the Bangka Regency Government through its Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) team at DTPB FTP UGM on Monday (10/19/2026). Initiated by DTPB FTP UGM, the meeting aimed to align visions, evaluate research outcomes, and map out the sustainable direction of a partnership established since 2017.
From the Deanery of FTP UGM, the meeting was attended by Dean Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc., and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Dr. Sri Rahayoe, S.T.P., M.P. The DTPB FTP UGM team was led directly by Department Head Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, Department Secretary Dr. Chandra Setyawan, alongside research faculty members Dr. Murtiningrum, Dr. Ngadisih, Dr. nat. techn. Rizki Maftukhah, and Dr. Prieskarinda Lestari. Meanwhile, the Bangka Regency Government was represented by Head of Bappeda Ir. Pan Budi Marwoto, M.Si., together with Dr. Darol Arkum from the Research and Development Division.
Environmental Pressures and Mining Policies
The expansion of this collaboration was prompted by mounting environmental pressures in Bangka Regency. Discussions revealed that a primary driver of this ecological strain is the policy granting indefinite land-use permits for mining activities.
This policy has had a direct impact, causing the expansion of post-mining land with extreme conditions (soil pH < 3 and loss of essential nutrients), the emergence of unmanaged mining pits (kolong), and an increased risk of crop failure driven by climate threats. These conditions demand scientific intervention, technological engineering, and responsive, adaptive agricultural governance policies.
Consortium and Collaboration
Over nearly a decade, the partnership between DTPB FTP UGM and the Bangka Regency Government has achieved significant milestones in ecological restoration and local agribiz. The cooperation has even expanded into an international research consortium involving BOKU University (Austria) for soil health and biofertilizer specialization, as well as Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for post-harvest engineering.
This initiative focuses on establishing the Center of Excellence (CoE) Tropical Soil Health as a hub for sustainable innovation, post-mining land restoration, and post-harvest technology development to restore the glory of the region’s leading agricultural commodities.
Hopes and Sustainability Steps
Through this DTPB FTP UGM initiative, both parties agreed to broaden the scope of cooperation to include various other sustainable agricultural commodities to strengthen food security and community welfare. Furthermore, both institutions emphasized the importance of consistent evidence-based policy in regional development planning.
This synergy reinforces DTPB FTP UGM’s global commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
