Cikarang, 11 September 2025—President University’s Mechanical Engineering Study Program, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology (SEAMEO BIOTROP), held a seminar to support the development of Tegaljaya Village. The event took place at the Activity Room, Faculty of Medicine, President University.

Led by Ir. Sri Widayanti, M.Si—Manager of Partnership and Collaboration Management Department from SEAMEO Biotrop—and Dr. Ghany Heryana, S.T., M.T., IPM.—President University lecturer, the session discussed about the Integration of Agroengineering and Biodiversity in the Development of Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers. The seminar brought together experts from both institutions to discuss the role of eco-friendly fertilizer in advancing sustainable agriculture.

Five speakers shared their insights during the session: Dr. rer. Nat Doni Yusri S., SP., MM., Deputy Director for Programs at SEAMEO BIOTROP; Risa Rosita, M.Si., Manager of Science and Technology Innovation at SEAMEO BIOTROP; Dr. Eng. Lydia Anggraini, S.T., M.Eng., Head of the Mechanical Engineering Study Program at President University; Dr. Ir. Rudi Suhradi Rachmat, M.Eng., a lecturer at President University; and Dr. Supriyanto, Affiliate Scientist at SEAMEO BIOTROP.

The road towards a sustainable farming process requires extensive research, particularly since different regions have unique agricultural needs and cannot be treated in the same way. The speakers emphasized the importance of transitioning to zero-waste farming, where agricultural waste, if managed properly, does not need to be discarded. Instead, it can be reused or repurposed into fertilizer that nourishes the land.

Although fertilizers are widely used in farming, many are synthetic or chemical-based. Such fertilizers must be used with caution, as careless application can damage soil health, disrupt its natural balance, and ultimately reduce crop quality. Drawing from international practices, the speakers highlighted Japan as an example, where strict laws and regulations protect both the environment and the livelihoods of farmers. For instance, Japan enforces policies that restrict imports to ensure local farmers’ welfare, and implements a regulation requiring “one household, one cow.” The waste produced by these cows is repurposed as fertilizer, creating a sustainable, zero-waste farming system.

In line with this vision, research conducted in Tegaljaya Village—where most residents rely on farming as their primary livelihood—has been carried out by the Mechanical Engineering Study Program of President University in collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP. Their studies explore ways to transform farming byproducts into useful materials. One example is reusing processed rice bran to fertilize land, as well as processing rice bran into components for rubber production. (Graciella V, PR Team. Photo: Roffizul H)