Agriculture Minister Amran Encourages ITS Graduates to Become Drivers of Innovation for Global Food Security

 Surabaya – Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman urged graduates of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya to become drivers of agricultural innovation in addressing global food security challenges. He made this statement while attending the ITS graduation ceremony on Sunday (April 19).

In his presentation, Minister Amran emphasized that the world currently faces three major crises: food, energy, and water. He believes that Indonesia is strategically positioned to address these challenges if it can maintain independence in these three sectors.

"If we are self-sufficient in food, energy, and water, no country will dare to interfere with Indonesia. Because these three things are global crises, and the solutions lie in Indonesia," he said.

He explained that the achievements of the national agricultural sector show a very positive trend. The national food stock has currently reached 4.9 million tons and is projected to soon reach 5 million tons, far surpassing the previous achievement of around 2.6 million tons. In the energy sector, the government is also accelerating the transition to palm oil (CPO)-based biofuels to reduce dependence on imports, including through the development of bioethanol (E20) sourced from sugarcane, corn, and cassava.

"Previously, we imported 5 million tons of diesel fuel. God willing, on July 1, 2026, we will stop imports and switch to domestically produced biofuels," he emphasized.

Minister of Agriculture Amran also highlighted the important role of universities in producing applicable innovations that have a direct impact on society. He commended ITS for its ability to respond quickly and accurately to national technological needs.

"Every time we need new technology according to the country's needs, ITS can immediately produce it. This is extraordinary," he said.

One innovation that has attracted attention is the ITS-made electric tractor, which is considered more efficient and affordable. The Ministry of Agriculture has even requested 10 units for trials.

"The price is half that of a regular one, it's efficient, and it uses electricity instead of diesel. It's very economical and doesn't depend on fuel," he said.

Furthermore, the development of palm-based energy, such as palm-based gasoline (bio-gasoline), is also being promoted through collaboration with state-owned enterprises.

"We're starting on a small scale with PTPN IV. If successful, we'll expand to a large scale. This is Indonesia's future energy, so its patent rights must be protected," he added.

Furthermore, Minister of Agriculture Amran emphasized that the government is completing a major national independence agenda, with the food sector now secure, energy availability through biofuels nearly achieved, and animal protein has even entered the export market.

"We're just accelerating ethanol, and the solution lies at ITS," he said.

He also emphasized that innovations such as electric tractors, bio-gasoline development, and bioethanol are concrete evidence of the university's contribution to meeting the nation's needs.

Meanwhile, ITS Rector Bambang Pramujati stated that his institution continues to strengthen the quality of graduates to prepare them for global dynamics. At this graduation ceremony, ITS graduated 1,710 graduates from various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral and engineering degrees. He emphasized that ITS equips students with the best competencies and involves industry in curriculum development and internship programs to ensure graduates are highly job-ready.

"With industry involvement, our graduates are more adaptable and understand the needs of the workplace," he said.

He added that ITS also encourages research results not to stop at the academic level, but to produce innovative products that can be directly utilized by the community. Therefore, collaboration with the government and industry, including with the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to be strengthened, ensuring that the resulting innovations truly meet the needs in the field.

"Research should not stop in the library; it must become real solutions for society," he explained.

Closing the series of activities, Minister of Agriculture Amran encouraged all ITS graduates to actively contribute to national development through hard work, perseverance, and collaboration.

"Let's collaborate, work for the Red and White. Nothing is impossible. What exists is difficulty, and we can certainly conquer it," he concluded.