In February 16, 2026, a group of lecturers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted an academic visit and collaboration initiative to an abaca fiber processing center in Davao City, Philippines. The delegation included Prof. Dr. Ir. Siti Subandiyah, M.Agr.Sc., Prof. Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Ir. Arif Wibowo, M.Agr.Sc. from the Department of Plant Protection UGM, as well as Prof. Ir. Alva Edy Tontowi, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng. from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering UGM. This visit represents a strategic effort to strengthen interdisciplinary and international collaboration in the development of sustainable agriculture-based commodities.
During the visit, the UGM delegation conducted direct observations of the cultivation, harvesting, and processing stages of abaca fiber, a high-value commodity widely recognized in the Philippines. The team also engaged in in-depth discussions with industry practitioners and local researchers on technological innovations in fiber processing, pest and disease management, and the potential development of value-added products derived from natural fibers. The collaboration between plant protection and industrial engineering disciplines is expected to generate integrated solutions, ranging from improving crop productivity to enhancing post-harvest efficiency and industrial applications.
Furthermore, the visit created opportunities for future research collaboration and knowledge exchange between UGM and international partners, particularly in advancing environmentally friendly natural fiber industries. Beyond expanding academic networks, this initiative is anticipated to inspire research-based innovations that can be adapted in Indonesia, especially in optimizing fiber crops as alternative sources of sustainable economic growth.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through international collaboration and interdisciplinary integration, the activity supports the development of sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive natural resource-based industries while strengthening strategic partnerships to address future development challenges.
