Research Results Presentation – Research Student Exchange Program Strengthening Academic and Cultural Ties between UGM and Kyushu University Japan

Yogyakarta, March 19, 2025. An important milestone has been achieved in international research cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Kyushu University, Japan. The culmination of this partnership was marked by the final presentation of Machika Shimizu, an exchange research student from Kyushu University, held at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (TPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) UGM. The research program ran from February 21 to March 26, 2025, as a follow-up to the Summer Course organized by UGM's Faculty of Forestry in 2024.

Under the guidance of Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, Shimizu developed a plant health monitoring system using image processing and multispectral cameras. This innovative system was tested at the Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Buildings (TLBP) and the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) at FTP UGM. The system has the potential to detect diseases and nutrient deficiencies early, which can significantly increase agricultural productivity.

Final Presentation – Research Student Exchange

The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology enables remote monitoring and efficient data analysis, which is crucial for modern agriculture. This research not only contributes to advances in agricultural technology but also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The presentation was attended by prominent figures including Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso (Head of Department TPB), Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro (Secretary of Department TPB), Dr. Murtiningrum, Ardan Wiratmoko, M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Ayuni, Dr. Joko Nugroho, and Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho. Furthermore, research students from SARC and students attending Japanese language classes at the Faculty of Agriculture and FTP were also present, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of this program.

Receiving a visit from SUIJI students at Smart Agri Plant Factory

Prof. Lilik Sutiarso emphasized the importance of sustaining this student exchange program as an initiative for cooperation between TPB Department UGM and the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyushu University. He highlighted that collaborations such as this are essential for promoting innovation in agricultural practice and enhancing educational experiences for students.

Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho added that this program not only focuses on research but also promotes cultural exchange and enhances foreign language proficiency among UGM students. Shimizu actively participated in various departmental activities, including assisting with the ASIIN accreditation visit from external assessors, receiving visits from Japanese students from the SUIJI program, attending a joint iftar at the Laboratory of Energy and Agricultural Machinery, Japanese language classes, and field visits to the Low-cost Smart Greenhouse in Sriharjo.

Activities participated in by Machika Shimizu

Cultural activities participated in by Machika Shimizu during her stay in Yogyakarta

The success of this program demonstrates the great potential of international collaboration in advancing smart agricultural technology in Indonesia. This reflects the shared commitment of UGM and Kyushu University to developing research and education as well as academic cultural exchange.

This cooperation was facilitated by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho (UGM), Prof. Takashi Okayasu, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Takahiro Fujiwara, Ph.D. (Kyushu University). The results of this research are expected to provide significant contributions to the agricultural sector, increasing productivity and sustainability in accordance with the SDGs.