PALMOILMAGAZINE, YOGYAKARTA — The 67th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of INSTIPER Yogyakarta this year serves as a moment of reflection on the institution’s long journey in shaping high-quality human resources, particularly for Indonesia’s plantation sector. The celebration coincides with the 68th National Plantation Day, a reminder of the sector’s vital role in driving the national economy, preserving the environment, and improving community welfare.
These two significant observances reinforce the spirit of collaboration among all stakeholders—academics, industry practitioners, and the wider community—in upholding sustainability and the core values that have long guided Indonesia’s plantation development.
This year’s commemoration is even more meaningful as it also marks the 99th birthday of Dr. (HC) H. Soedjai Kartasasmita, a towering figure in the history of Indonesia’s plantation education. Throughout his life, Soedjai has been recognized as a visionary leader who dedicated himself to the advancement of the national plantation sector. He continues to play a role as a board member of the Yayasan Pendidikan Kader Perkebunan Yogyakarta (YPKPY), the institution that oversees INSTIPER and the Akademi Komunitas Perkebunan Yogyakarta (AKPY-Stiper).
Beyond his contributions to education and plantation development, Soedjai is also known for his deep passion for photography. His works, along with pieces contributed by close colleagues, are presented in a special exhibition titled “Jejak Emas 99 Tahun or Golden Footprints of 99 Years” The exhibition features 99 photographs that celebrate his long journey, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the plantation world.
“This exhibition offers visual stories of hard work, sincerity, and the natural beauty that emerges from agriculture and plantation landscapes, including the communities that flourish within them. It also brings together photographers, academics, practitioners, and creative communities from various regions, reflecting a true cross-generational collaboration,” said Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., one of the exhibition’s curators and advisers.
The showcased works underwent a rigorous selection process by a national panel of curators: Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., Drs. Risman Marah, M.Sn., Darwis Triadi, Arbain Rambey, and Johny Hendarta.
The “Golden Footprints of 99 Years” exhibition is open to the public from 10–15 December 2025, from 09:00 to 16:00 WIB, at the INSTIPER Yogyakarta Library Building. (P3)
