Jakarta, INTI - The University of Lampung (Unila) has partnered with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to establish a Cassava Research Collaboration Center (PKR Cassava) aimed at strengthening innovation and advancing the development of one of Indonesia’s key agricultural commodities.
Unila Rector Lusmeilia Afriani stated that the proposal to establish the PKR Cassava has received direct support from BRIN Head Arif Satria.
According to her, BRIN has encouraged Unila to prepare a comprehensive proposal capable of delivering tangible benefits to society and the industrial sector.
The decision to focus on cassava is based on Lampung’s status as Indonesia’s largest cassava-producing region.
One of the main initiatives to be developed under the program is the Cassava Centre, a dedicated cassava research facility owned by the University of Lampung.
Bringing Together Multiple Scientific Disciplines
Lusmeilia explained that Unila possesses significant strengths to support cassava research development.
These include extensive human resources, strong academic capabilities and expertise, as well as a balanced gender composition that offers promising potential for research advancement.
The PKR Cassava program will not be limited to a single field of study.
Various faculties will collaborate in the research initiative, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics and Business, and other related disciplines.
This multidisciplinary approach is expected to generate high-quality cassava innovations and products with stronger competitiveness in the global market.
Focusing on Downstream Industry and Economic Impact
BRIN Head Arif Satria emphasized that the proposal must focus on a specific research theme while providing comprehensive solutions and measurable impacts.
He noted that PKR Cassava would introduce a new dimension to BRIN’s research programs, which are designed to enhance SME productivity, strengthen Indonesia’s private industries, accelerate research commercialization, and create meaningful economic impact.
BRIN is also seeking to facilitate collaboration with international partners to adopt advanced technologies that can be implemented in Indonesia.
The establishment of PKR Cassava is expected to become Indonesia’s leading cassava research collaboration hub, generating new varieties and innovative cassava-based products, increasing the commodity’s added value, supporting cassava-based industries, enhancing Indonesia’s global competitiveness, and delivering economic benefits to farmers, SMEs, and national industries.
Conclusion
The establishment of the PKR Cassava marks a strategic step in strengthening Indonesia’s agricultural innovation ecosystem. Through collaboration between academia and national researchers, the initiative is expected to accelerate cassava-based technology development, increase industrial value, and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers, SMEs, and the wider industry.
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