Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.

Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Fauzan, has called on universities in Indonesia to play an active role in addressing environmental issues in their local communities.

The aim is to promote environmental resilience and sustainability across the nation.

Fauzan made these comments at the 2025 Rectors' Forum: Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Management, held in Jakarta on Monday, July 28, 2025. The event brought together 41 university leaders from across Indonesia.

"We are seeking to encourage universities to participate in conceptualizing themselves as social entities with a high level of environmental awareness," Fauzan said in a statement following the forum.

He also noted that this initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita goals and the government's quick-win programs, which place sustainable development and environmental resilience at the core of Indonesia's national transformation.

"Let us safeguard the environment with science and technology, not only from what is visible but also from the moral values that shape the nation," Fauzan remarked.

At the same forum, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted the importance of scientific input in policy-making. According to Minister Nurofiq, universities are pivotal in validating Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) documents, developing waste management technology, and preparing Strategic Environmental Studies (KLHS). He also noted that universities should provide cross-disciplinary education to support sustainability efforts.

The Minister pointed out that 12 percent of environmental permit applications were rejected in 2023 due to failure to meet carrying capacity requirements. In 2022 . Furthermore, the country generated 56.63 million tonnes of waste in 2023, but only 39 percent of this was effectively managed.

More than 150 districts and cities in Indonesia also reported an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) below 65, indicating that many regions face significant environmental challenges.

In conclusion, both Fauzan and Nurofiq emphasised that universities must become key players in Indonesia’s environmental efforts, utilising science and technology to improve sustainability and address pressing environmental issues across the country.

Perstorp has long been dedicated to driving the transformation of the chemical industry with a clear ambition to become Finite Material Neutral. (Image source: Perstorp)

Leading global specialty chemicals innovator Perstorp, recently announced that the Animal Nutrition focused plant in Waspik, has officially reduced its direct emissions (Scope 1 & 2) to report zero over 2024

In an attempt to bring down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Perstorp Waspik has taken several steps including replacing all fossil fuel forklift trucks with electric ones and all lighting by LED. In addition to this, all natural gas has been replaced by biogas and total electricity used is renewable. The company is on a lookout to further reduce its environmental footprint. 

Perstorp has long been dedicated to driving the transformation of the chemical industry with a clear ambition to become Finite Material Neutral. It has science based reduction targets for Scope 1, 2 and 3. For scope 1 & 2 emissions, the target is a reduction of 46.2% in 2030 compared to a 2019 base year. This is consistent with the reductions required to keep global warming limited to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.

To reach these targets, each site has its own roadmap of identified activities to reach the site’s sustainability targets. Site Waspik has managed to execute all its activities in the scope 1 & 2 roadmap, and in 2024 has reduced their greenhouse gas emissions from operations to zero. 

“Perstorp is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its business activities. I am proud that in Perstorp Animal Nutrition, we continue to accelerate the delivery of our sustainability improvement targets, and we are showing real, meaningful results," said Ian Atterbury, senior vice president of Perstorp Animal Nutrition. "Our production site in Waspik achieving zero scope 1 & 2 emissions, is a major step forward in this journey. It is our ambition to be a partner in sustainable animal production for our customers. We aim to show that we can help not only through supporting performance and health, but also by reducing the environmental footprint of our products, to bring down the total impact of animal production.” 

Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience. (Image source: Dinnissen Process Technology)

Dinnissen Process Technology, a system integrator specialising in process technology for powders, granules, and bulk goods, announces the opening of yet another branch: Dinnissen Pacific

This marks the company’s sixth branch, in addition to its two locations in the Netherlands, one in Germany, one in Indonesia, and the recently opened office in the UK. Dinnissen Pacific will be headquartered in Auckland and daily management will be led by Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience.

Dinnissen has a large installed base in both New Zealand and Australia. The key difference now is that customer contact will be handled by a local expert, in combination with experts in the Netherlands. This ensures a stronger understanding of local culture, conditions and regulations.  

The company's mission is to enable producers worldwide to efficiently and reliably produce high-quality food/chemicals for people, pets and livestock, both now and in the future. As part of this commitment, the company has steadily expanded its international presence to better serve customers in key regions.

With the addition of branches in Germany, Indonesia, the UK, and now New Zealand, Dinnissen strengthens its global footprint while staying true to its core values.

“We open new branches with the clear goal of enhancing our local presence and being more responsive to the needs of our customers," explained technical & commercial director, Frans Bakker. "The ability to provide fast service and support locally makes our systems even more reliable. That reliability is at the heart of our mission to create a bigger economic footprint and ensure a stable global food supply.”