Overcoming Poverty with Various Technological Innovations, Social Affairs Minister Appreciates IPB University

BOGOR (May 17, 2023) - Ministry of Social Affairs gave appreciation and recognition to IPB University for all its efforts in helping the government to reduce poverty.

The Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Ir. Hj. Tri Rismaharini, M.T. was present and had the opportunity to deliver a speech at the IPB Graduation Ceremony Phase V for the 2022/2023 Academic Year. In front of 800 IPB graduates, the Minister of Social Affairs delivered a speech entitled "Improving Social Welfare through the Development of Agriculture, Marine and Tropical Biosciences" at the IPB Graha Widya Wisuda Building.

"I would like to thank IPB for helping me solve existing problems since long ago (when I was mayor)," she said.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has collaborated with IPB to support economic empowerment programs by providing training, one of which is synergized with the Indonesian Economic Heroes Program (PENA) so that it can empower poor people to be prosperous and independent.

Risma also said that the technology created with IPB University has an impact on people's welfare.

"I believe that a big and advanced country is not seen from how it makes something, an advanced country can be seen from its prosperous people," said Social Affairs Minister.

Various innovations and creations were created through the collaboration between Ministry of Social Affairs and IPB University. One of them is the creation of the People's Stove which uses palm oil waste in East Aceh which was created by one of IPB's alumni.

"The technology produced by IPB is very helpful for us in eradicating poverty in the field," said Minister of Social Affairs Risma.

The synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs and IPB University is indeed aimed at answering various social challenges in the field.

"Cooperation will continue to be carried out because it is very necessary, not only teaching planting but also how to plant well so that the results and quality are good, as well as its technology," added Minister of Social Affairs Risma.

This food technology is very important to increase income capacity and reduce expenses for poor and vulnerable groups.

The form of community empowerment also varies according to the needs and potential in each region.

The Awarding

In addition to giving a speech, Minister of Social Affairs also presented the Extraordinary Service Award for Real and Extraordinary Partisanship for a better life for the nation's citizens and an increasingly advanced Indonesia to IPB University.

"I am very happy, feel flattered, and very proud of the award given to IPB so that this will be a spirit and trigger to further contribute to the village," said IPB Chancellor Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, SP, MSi.

The Minister of Social Affairs also presented 52 awards. Awards were given to 11 people from the IPB Leadership for Leadership in Social Welfare Development based on Agriculture, Marine and Tropical Biosciences and 41 people consisting of IPB Lecturers and Alumni for Extraordinary Service and Work.

Dr. Ir. Agus Oman Sudrajat, M.Sc, one of the award recipients and a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries, IPB, stated that he did not expect his contribution to receive attention from the Minister of Social Affairs.

"Thank you for the award given by Ministry of Social Affairs to IPB, which is able to accelerate the dissemination of technology and can be implemented faster and more widely," he said.

Agus' contribution in compiling a technical book on catfish cultivation which is used as a guide for community training fostered by Ministry of Social Affairs.

In the future, various innovations in the fields of agricultural, livestock, and fisheries technology will continue to be continued to provide benefits and encourage individuals, especially vulnerable groups, to be economically independent.

The event is also attended by IPB Rector Arif Satria, Chairman of the IPB Board of Trustees Tridoyo Kusumastanto, the Special Advisor (SKM) for Communication and Mass Media Don Rozano Sigit Prakoeswa, SKM for Social Welfare Service Needs and Potential Social Welfare Sources Luhur Budijarso, SKM for Human Resource Development and Ministry Programs Suhadi Lili, Head of the Data and Information Center Agus Zainal Arifin, IPB Vice Chancellors, IPB Alumni Association Management and IPB Academic Community.