Building a New Food Civilization through PRAISE: A Collaboration between Bappenas, Unpad, and Agricultural Alumni

A strategic initiative to develop alternative food sources in Indonesia has been realized with the establishment of the Padjadjaran Center for Sweet Potato Research and Innovation Excellence (PRAISE). This research center is a product of collaboration between the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/Bappenas and Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting national food security. The groundbreaking ceremony on September 9, 2025, was attended by the Minister of PPN/Bappenas, Prof. Rachmat Pambudy, Unpad Rector Prof. Arief S. Kartasasmita, and Ellyus Achiruddin, a 1974 alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture who now serves as President Commissioner of PT Triputra Utama Selaras. In his speech, Prof. Rachmat affirmed that this project is a crucial step toward food diversification, as Indonesia cannot rely on a single primary carbohydrate source. Also present was Unpad Faculty of Agriculture Cultivation Lecturer Prof. Agung Kurniawan, who is also the head of Unpad's PRAISE. Sweet potato is seen as a commodity with great potential to become a healthy, sustainable, and economically valuable carbohydrate alternative.

The active involvement of Ellyus Achiruddin, a 1974 alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture at Unpad, highlights the strategic role of alumni in supporting their alma mater's progress. As a significant donor, he not only provided substantial financial support but also expressed great hope that the research center would be completed soon and become a hub for sustainable sweet potato innovation and development. His support reflects a strong emotional bond and a tangible commitment from alumni to give back to the institution that shaped their journey. The role of alumni like Ellyus proves that collaboration between the government, universities, and successful individuals can drive major breakthroughs for national development.

PRAISE is targeted for completion in December 2025 and will function as both a general laboratory and a management office. The facility is designed to support a range of activities, from basic research to the multiplication of high-quality sweet potato cuttings. Its presence is expected to establish PRAISE as a top-tier research and scientific meeting center, not only at the national level but also internationally. The development of PRAISE also aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by providing modern research infrastructure that fosters innovation in the agricultural sector. Through the research conducted, it is hoped that superior sweet potato varieties and efficient cultivation techniques will be developed, ultimately supporting food security and sustainable economic development.