On April 20, 2022, the Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun Foundation (YIIM) collaborated with PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya to organize training and knowledge sharing on cultivating organic vegetables using hydroponic growing media. PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya is a national private company engaged in the distribution and trade of fertilizers throughout Indonesia since 1953.

This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, specifically SDG Number 2 on Ending Hunger, SDG Number 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and SDG Number 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

This training was provided to the academic community at Bung Karno University (UBK), consisting of representatives of lecturers and students. The training was held at the UBK Hall at Jalan Kimia No. 20 Menteng, Central Jakarta. The training implemented health protocols by using masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance, with around 15 participants in attendance.

This event is part of a collaboration between YIIM and UBK that has been ongoing since 2020, where the Soekarno Education Foundation has provided scholarships to two YIIM beneficiaries, namely Humam Hasan, an alumnus of the Barista Coffee program (Profile HERE) and Hermanto, an alumnus of the Barberman program (Profile HERE), to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Business Management at UBK. When this program started, both were in their fourth semester.

The training was held from 09:30 WIB to 12:00 WIB and was opened by the Vice Rector III for Student Affairs of Bung Karno University, Mr. Rinaldi Agusta Pahlevi, S.H., M.H., CLA.

In his remarks, Mr. Rinaldi expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the organization of this event, hoping that it would bring benefits to UBK, especially its students, to increasingly love farming, particularly by utilizing land using the hydroponic method.

“Thank you and appreciation to YIIM and PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya for collaborating with UBK so this event could be held. I hope it brings benefits to the academic community at UBK, and especially to the students participating in the training, so they can disseminate and practice the knowledge and experience gained from this event.”

A similar sentiment was also conveyed by YIIM representative, Ahmad Fanani Rosidi, in his remarks, stating, “YIIM thanks PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya and Bung Karno University for their cooperation and support. We hope this event brings benefits to the students and the academic community, fostering a greater love for the culture of planting and utilizing vacant land productively.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Agus Garisman, Product & Developer Manager and trainer from PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya, stated, “Cultivating organic vegetables using hydroponic growing media is not difficult; what matters is the willingness and love for plants so that the results are optimal and can be consumed as healthy vegetables, and it is even possible that they could be marketed.”

At the end of the event, PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya handed over one complete hydroponic installation package, including nutrients, seedlings, and rockwool for vegetable propagation, to the representative of the UBK academic community. The installation will be placed in the campus garden. Additionally, participants also received training certificates.

Previously, YIIM and PT. Meroke Tetap Jaya had also organized a similar event for the community in Cempaka Putih; the activity can be viewed HERE.

YIIM, as a non-profit organization, is committed to continually empowering communities to become more productive. One of its program activities is hydroponic farming training for urban communities who do not have extensive land.

YIIM is also open to support and collaboration with any party, aiming to ensure that more people benefit from YIIM’s programs and that the inspiration YIIM spreads to help build Indonesia becomes even wider.

Salam Inspirasi!