Edited by: Syifa Djuita Putri
Jatinangor, April 18, 2026 – The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Padjadjaran (Faperta Unpad) continues to strengthen its position as a globally competitive academic institution through strategic international collaboration. From April 6–10, 2026, the Dean of Faperta Unpad, Dr. Ahmad Choibar Tridakusumah, together with Prof. Reginawanti Hindersah, conducted an official visit to Japan. The visit aimed to expand international networks, reinforce research partnerships, and explore opportunities for downstreaming agricultural innovations. The primary focus was on collaboration with academic institutions and agricultural industry partners in Japan.
The visit encompassed a series of academic discussions, meetings with industry stakeholders, and field observations at advanced agricultural production facilities. These activities were designed to address global agricultural challenges through a collaborative and innovation-driven approach. In addition, the visit served as a concrete step toward integrating education, research, and industry needs. Through this approach, Faperta Unpad seeks to enhance its tangible contributions to sustainable agricultural systems. The initiative also reaffirms the faculty’s commitment to advancing internationalization.
Strengthening Collaboration with Tokai University and Japan’s Strawberry Industry
Activities on April 6–7, 2026 focused on strengthening collaboration with Tokai University Kyushu (TUK) and Japanese agricultural industry partners. One key outcome was the agreement to host the 20th Asian Agricultural Symposium (AAS) at Faperta Unpad on November 11, 2026. This decision was endorsed by the President of Tokai University, Prof. Hitoshi Kinouchi, as recognition of the long-standing academic partnership between the institutions. The discussions also involved industry stakeholders, including Japan Premium Vegetable (Kenji Endo), the management of Kinouchi Farm, and Indonesian investors in Japan. This collaboration strengthens the integration between academia and industry in advancing modern agribusiness.
The meeting opened opportunities for downstreaming strawberry research in Jatinangor through partnerships with industry players, including Indonesian private agricultural companies such as PT Gantani Alam Nusantara. Discussions emphasized the importance of developing superior varieties and technology-based production systems to enhance product competitiveness. This approach not only focuses on increasing productivity but also on creating added value for agricultural commodities. Furthermore, the collaboration is expected to strengthen a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. This initiative represents a strategic step in responding to global market demands.
Field visits to premium strawberry production centers at Kinouchi Farm (Minamiaso, Kumamoto) and Hananoumi (Sanyoonoda, Yamaguchi) provided practical insights into advanced production systems. Observations revealed that high-technology cultivation and post-harvest management significantly improve product quality and consistency. This model is considered highly adaptable to Indonesia with appropriate local adjustments. In addition, the integration of technology and agribusiness management emerged as a key success factor. Overall, this experience enriched perspectives on innovation-driven agricultural development.
Exploring Collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Japan
The visit continued on April 10, 2026 with the exploration of collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. During the meeting, the Dean of Faperta Unpad presented the institutional profile, leading research achievements, and developments in agricultural socio-economic studies. The academic discussion was further enriched by Prof. Reginawanti Hindersah, who highlighted innovations in greenhouse-based strawberry cultivation. Key topics included environmental control systems and the application of biofertilizers as a foundation for sustainable agriculture. The meeting demonstrated a strong alignment in vision toward technology-driven agricultural development.
A visit to the greenhouse research facilities showcased the implementation of autonomous systems in managing plant growth environments. This system represents one of Kyushu University’s strengths in precision agriculture. The meeting was coordinated by Prof. Yukiyoshi Iwata, alongside a multidisciplinary research team specializing in microbiology, ecophysiology, and rural development. The discussions resulted in a mutual commitment to develop academic collaboration in both teaching and research. As a follow-up, Faperta Unpad will prepare a short-term cooperation plan to initiate concrete collaborative programs.
As a global institution, Kyushu University has an extensive international network, with a significant proportion of international students and overseas offices worldwide. This partnership provides access to cutting-edge research, expertise exchange, and advanced technological facilities. It also expands Faperta Unpad’s network in the Kyushu region, complementing its collaboration with Tokai University established since 2018. Overall, this series of activities reflects a progressive step in addressing global agricultural challenges. The collaboration also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
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