Jakarta, INTI - Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) has developed the Unhas Sprayer-Spreader Drone (USD), an innovative agricultural drone technology that is now being disseminated nationally through a collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to support agricultural modernization and strengthen the food self-sufficiency program.
USD Drone was developed as a precision agriculture technology that combines a Global Positioning System (GPS)-based navigation system with an automated spraying and seeding mechanism. This technology enables more even seed distribution, more efficient use of materials, and significantly shorter field work times compared to conventional methods.
The Ministry of Agriculture supports Unhas' innovation with procurement funding totaling Rp11 billion. Each USD unit has undergone a series of tests to ensure the effectiveness of spraying and seeding on various land characteristics before being distributed to various regions.
Distribution to 46 Regions in Indonesia
For the initial phase, 50 USD units are being prepared for distribution to 46 regencies/cities in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. This distribution is the first step in disseminating Unhas' innovation so that it can be utilized more widely by farmers in various regions.
To mark the start of the distribution, Unhas Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., symbolically released 15 USD units, taking place on the Unhas campus in Makassar on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Jamaluddin stated that the presence of the USD demonstrates how university research can meet the needs of the ever-growing agricultural sector.
"Modern agriculture requires modern equipment. Technology must be present as a real solution to support food self-sufficiency. This drone is no longer just a prototype, but a concrete action to strengthen the modern agricultural industry," said Jamaluddin.
Entirely Developed by Indonesian Youth
He added that all components of the USD development are the work of Indonesian youth, developed by Unhas. This success proves that Indonesian universities have the capacity to produce strategic technology that is competitive and meets national needs.
"This drone is made by Indonesian youth, made by Unhas. This proves that Indonesian youth are capable of developing their own technology. We want to build technological independence as a foundation for Indonesia Emas," he added.
The Head of the Sub-Directorate of Incubator Management and Science Techno Park (STP) at Unhas, and developer of USD drone, Dr. Eng. Andi Amijoyo Mochtar, S.T., M.Sc., explained that this innovation is the result of technological development designed to address farmers' needs for a more efficient, precise, and easy-to-operate seed sowing system.
"Next year, we will optimize development to move into the manufacturing stage. This drone's identity is Unhas. We are building a shared commitment to ensure the continued development of this innovation through collaboration with various parties," explained Andi.
USD is the result of technological development specifically designed to address the challenges of rice cultivation efficiency. Equipped with a large-capacity seed tank, this tool can cover large planting areas with simple and automated operation. Its operating system is designed to be user-friendly with automatic controls, allowing farmers to operate it without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.
Going forward, Unhas will continue to develop the USD for wider use in the national agricultural sector. In the downstreaming process, Unhas collaborated with PT Ener Sky Innovation as an industrial partner to support development towards the manufacturing stage and strengthen production capacity.
Conclusion
Unhas developed the Unhas Sprayer-Spreader Drone (USD), a GPS-based agricultural drone capable of automatic spraying and seeding to improve agricultural efficiency and precision. This innovation is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture through a procurement worth Rp11 billion. Initial distribution of 50 units to 46 districts/cities across Indonesia will support agricultural modernization and the food self-sufficiency program.
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