As part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the PRAISE research center, an academic seminar titled “The Strategic Role of Sweet Potatoes in National Food Security” was held at Bale Sawala, Unpad Rectorate Building, Jatinangor. Indonesia’s Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Prof. Rachmat Pambudy, served as the keynote speaker. Also present was Prof. Dr.sc.agr. Agung Karuniawan, Chair of PRAISE and a plant breeding lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, who joined as a panelist and discussant.
Prof. Rachmat emphasized that addressing hunger in various regions of Indonesia requires strong synergy between the government, universities, and communities. He highlighted the significant potential of sweet potatoes as an alternative food source that can be developed through scientific research. He expressed hope that PRAISE would grow into an international research hub contributing meaningfully to global welfare. Through such efforts, research and innovation from Unpad could strengthen Indonesia’s role in building a resilient global food system. Meanwhile, Unpad Rector Prof. Arief S. Kartasasmita underscored that this seminar was not merely an academic forum but also a platform to strengthen international collaboration. He noted that sweet potatoes could support food security through the integration of science, policy, and strategic partnerships. The rector expressed hope that this event would mark the beginning of new breakthroughs in sustainable food development. Prof. Agung Karuniawan added that sweet potato research at Unpad has been ongoing since 2006, producing various new varieties with improved productivity and nutritional quality. He also stressed that the research has involved numerous partners, building a strong collaborative network. These collective efforts, he noted, further reinforce the position of sweet potatoes as a strategic commodity in supporting national food diversification and sustainable development.
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