PALMOILMAGAZINE, YOGYAKARTA — The Stiper Agricultural Institute (Instiper) Yogyakarta marked its 67th anniversary on December 10, 2025. During a media gathering with national and regional journalists on Tuesday afternoon, campus leaders outlined a series of Dies Natalis activities while reaffirming Instiper’s major transformation toward becoming a fully digital, adaptive, and industry-relevant university.
Instiper Rector Dr. Ir. Harsawardana, M.Eng., emphasized that transforming the university is essential amid rapid shifts in agriculture, plantation, and forestry sectors. He identified three key drivers of change: First, Technological and Business Shifts; Plantation and forestry industries are now compelled to adopt digital systems, automation, data integration, and more efficient work models.
“Technology is no longer optional—it’s now the driver of institutional and industrial growth,” Harsawardana said during the online session attended by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday (26/11).
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Second, The Character of Generation Z; Today’s students prefer fast, adaptable, modular, and flexible learning methods. They are digital natives and struggle with passive, theory-heavy traditional teaching.
Third, Industry Demand; Companies in the plantation and forestry sectors increasingly require graduates with digital skills, ICT literacy, and the ability to operate modern agricultural technologies including drones, digital mapping tools, and robotics.
From Theory-Based Classes to Modular, Hands-On Learning
Harsawardana explained that Instiper is shifting toward a learning-by-doing approach. Students will be trained to assemble and operate drones for spraying and mapping. Classroom time will be reduced in favor of field-based practical learning. The curriculum will be modular, allowing students to acquire competencies in shorter durations.
“Young people today can master a skill in just two weeks—why make them wait two years?” he noted.
This model aligns with the national policy promoting flexible, modular, and digital-based education.
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Instiper Builds a Technology and Innovation Center
A major highlight of the 67th Dies Natalis is the groundbreaking of the Technology and Innovation Center, which will serve as the heart of the campus’ digital ecosystem—housing a central command center for academic operations, agricultural tech laboratories, drone labs, and integrated fiber-optic and wireless networks.
This development continues the digital foundation laid since 2018, including central servers, campus networks, and other digital infrastructure.
“Starting next year, all academic activities at Instiper will run fully within a digital ecosystem,” the Rector said. Instiper also aims to become an AI-driven Smart University in the near future.
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Flexible Programs for Industry Professionals
Instiper also introduced flexible academic pathways for diploma graduates (D1–D3), plantation company employees ranging from field supervisors to managers, as well as executive and super-executive classes for directors in major corporations.
These programs are not fully online but follow a hybrid format tailored to industry needs.
Inviting Journalists to Continue Their Studies
The Rector also extended a special invitation for journalists wishing to pursue a master’s degree at Instiper, including tuition incentives for those enrolling as a group.
“The media world is a strategic partner for Instiper. We welcome journalists who want to deepen their knowledge, especially in plantation and palm oil industries,” he said.
Dies Natalis as a Milestone for Transformation
Instiper’s 67th anniversary is more than a celebration—it marks a pivotal milestone in its transformation journey. With strengthened digital infrastructure, innovative learning models, and closer industry collaboration, Instiper reiterates its commitment to remaining Indonesia’s leading plantation-focused higher education institution. (P3)
