Study Visit of Sriwijaya University Students to Germany

Three Universities, Countless Insights

Journey took them to three prestigious German institutions, each offering unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture and community resilience:

1.Intensive Plant Food System of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (12 – 14 May 2025)

Welcomed 15 students from Universitas Sriwijaya into their world of cutting-edge agricultural research. Professor Chen Tsu-Wei and his team opened their laboratories and shared innovative methodologies in Agri-Food Systems. Students didn’t just observe they presented their own research, creating genuine academic dialogue that bridged continents.

2. Faculty of Agricultural Science and Landscape Architecture of Hochschule Osnabrück (15 – 17 May 2025)

showed the students how theory meets practice. Under Professor Dieter Trautz‘s guidance, they explored hands-on sustainable farming applications through field visits and excursions. The students experienced firsthand how applied sciences tackle real-world agricultural challenges.

3. Institute of Rescue Engineering and Civil Protection of Technische Hochschule Köln (19 – 21 May 2025)

expanded students’ horizons beyond farming. Professor Alexander Fekete introduced them to disaster risk management and community resilience, knowledge that is incredibly relevant for Indonesian disaster-prone regions back home, where farmers regularly face floods, landslides, and other climate challenges.

Game-Changing Agricultural Discoveries for the SDGs

1.Integrated Rice Fish Farming

Perhaps students’ most exciting discovery was learning how this ancient practice, enhanced by modern science, could revolutionize food security. German colleagues showed the students technologies that can boost agricultural yields by up to 20% while simultaneously producing fish protein a double win for food security.

Students were amazed to learn how fish naturally control pests in rice paddies, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides while improving soil fertility through fish waste that can simultaneously tackle SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), discovered connections between sustainable food systems and SDG 3 (Good Health), and learned about water management’s role in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Climate-resilient farming methods addressed SDG 13 (Climate Action), while focus on rice-fish systems highlighted both SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This biological synergy perfectly demonstrates the creative problem-solving needed to address food security challenges in their communities.

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Eco-Friendly Pest Management

We discovered practical approaches to Sustainable Agriculture and Eco-friendly Pest Management that Indonesian students can implement immediately. The German model emphasizes working with natural ecosystems rather than against them, a philosophy that resonates deeply with Indonesian local farming traditions while adding scientific precision.

3. The Intersection of Socioeconomic Vulnerability and People Resilience With Natural Disaster in Indonesia

Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with 17,504 islands on the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent natural disasters from its 129 active volcanoes, floods, droughts, forest and peatland fires. Agriculture, vital for crops like rice, palm oil, and rubber, is threatened by climate change and unsustainable practices. Resilience efforts include BNPB’s disaster classifications, local wisdom, agroforestry, Bali’s Subak irrigation system, and peatland rewetting.

Suggested solutions from Prof. Dr. Alexander Fekete’s call for agricultural insurance and stronger disaster risk reduction programs, alongside climate-resilient farming, cooperative models, and water management, align with SDGs 1, 8, 10, and 13 to secure food systems and reduce vulnerabilities.

4. Introduction: The Socio-Economic and Value Chain Challenges of Muntok White Pepper, Indonesia

Muntok White Pepper from Bangka Belitung, Indonesia, is famed for its distinctive aroma and colonial-era legacy as a prized export. Despite strong demand, especially from Germany, the industry struggles with price volatility, land conversion, illegal mining, high costs, and weak government support. While known for premium quality and long shelf life, farmers face low bargaining power and limited diversification. Sustainable practices like agroforestry, women’s involvement in harvesting, and small businesses such as Lada Vanka Indonesia are crucial to preserving this culturally rich, smallholder-driven spice.

Cultural Immersion

Learning was not confined to lecture halls. Students navigated Germany’s efficient public transportation system, sampled local cuisine, and participated in campus social activities. These everyday experiences became part of their education, offering insights into cultural adaptation and German efficiency.

The networking opportunities were invaluable. Students exchanged contacts with German peers, connected with students from three German host universities, and built relationships with professors who generously shared their concerns and hopes for future collaborations with students and lecturers as well. These connections ensure that the learning continues long after the program ends.

Building Resilient Communities Back Home

Most importantly, Indonesian students learned how agricultural innovations contribute to community resilience in disaster-prone areas. The German model demonstrated that sustainable farming systems are not only about production; they are also about creating communities that can withstand and recover from environmental shocks. This knowledge is invaluable as Indonesia faces increasing climate variability in almost all regions. By adopting sustainable practices, such as agroforestry systems to prevent soil erosion and conservation agriculture to improve drought and flood resilience, students can help their communities not only survive, but also thrive in the face of adversity.

Looking Forward: Seeds of Change

The students returned to Indonesia with new knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. They have grown into young changemakers, ready to apply what they learned and inspire sustainable practices in their communities.

Their experience in Germany has also paved the way for future collaborations and knowledge exchanges. The connections they built during the study visit continue to evolve into meaningful partnerships that promote ongoing learning, joint research, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The DAAD program has once again proved that international cooperation is not just beneficial, it is essential for addressing global challenges like food security and climate adaptation. Investing in the education of Indonesian students is truly investing in the region’s sustainable future. The students and the program leader highly acknowledged the DAAD financial support for this study visit program.

As these students apply their knowledge in their communities, they will serve as catalysts for positive change, promoting sustainable practices and inspiring others. The ripple effect of this exchange will be felt for years to come as the students become leaders in their fields and contribute sustainable solutions that benefit their local communities and the world.

Together, the students are building a more sustainable future, one student, one community, and one partnership at a time.

Participating Students: Marthin Syach Putra, M. Fadhil Dicky , Gusti Aprliansyah, M. Raihan Al Ghifarry, Ilham Mulia Rahman, Ahmad Sultoni Pulungan, M. Akbar Satriawan, Noviani, Lusy Triani, Lusi Rahmawati, Try Intania Sinaga, Balqis Anzilny Muharrimah, Rafa Anggun Dayfitri, Diva Ramadona, Andriani Amelia Herwati.

Program Leader: Dr.-phil. Arinafril, Plant Protection Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University, Indralaya, Indonesia / Environmental Science and Management, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.