Universitas Andalas is pressing for a more adaptive agricultural technology curriculum as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and shifting industrial needs reshape the job market. The university says graduates can no longer rely on theory alone if they are expected to remain relevant in a fast-changing workplace.
That concern framed the National Seminar and Mid-Year Working Meeting of the Forum Komunikasi Perguruan Tinggi Teknologi Pertanian Indonesia (FKPT-TPI) 2026 at the Convention Hall of the Limau Manis Campus in Padang on Wednesday, July 8, 3026. The event was part of Unand’s 70th Dies Natalis series and brought together faculty leaders, academics, practitioners, and higher-education stakeholders from agricultural technology programs across Indonesia.
Curriculum Must Prepare More Than Technical Knowledge
Unand Rector Efa Yonnedi said the seminar theme was highly relevant to current challenges in higher education. He stressed that rapid technological change requires curricula to be continuously updated so graduates can remain adaptive and ready for the workplace.
“The curriculum is no longer oriented only toward mastering knowledge, but must also shape graduates who are adaptive, innovative, have multidisciplinary competence, critical thinking skills, leadership, communication, and the ability to work together to solve real problems in society and industry,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the seminar and working meeting would produce recommendations that can be applied by all FKPT-TPI members. Beyond that, the forum is expected to strengthen collaboration between universities in developing agricultural technology education in Indonesia.
Accreditation and Workforce Needs Take Center Stage
Dean of Unand’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Prof. Alfi Asben, said the national seminar and mid-year meeting were a strategic moment to align the direction of agricultural technology education providers. He noted that curriculum and accreditation discussions have become increasingly important as knowledge and workforce demands continue to change.
Through the forum, Unand expects curriculum strengthening that can satisfy accreditation standards while also meeting labor-market needs. RRI.co.id reported that the issue was discussed with the speakers so each university could receive practical recommendations.
| Activity | Participants | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| FKPT-TPI National Seminar 2026 | About 115 participants | Curriculum strengthening and agricultural technology accreditation |
| Final Agricultural Technology Innovation Competition | 92 participants | Student innovation and agricultural technology ideas |
| International community service in Tilatang Kamang | Not stated | Aligned with the LPDP Equity Program |
Collaboration Between Campuses Gets a Bigger Role
FKPT-TPI chair Yusuf Hendrawan added that the national seminar served as a space to share knowledge, broaden participants’ perspectives, and encourage student innovation. He also emphasized the importance of community service through collaboration between campuses.
The mid-year working meeting focused on concrete cooperation, the achievement of Key Performance Indicators or IKU, and the development of programs such as double degrees, summer courses, and visiting lecturers. These initiatives are intended to improve the quality of agricultural technology education in Indonesia.
Alongside the seminar and working meeting, the program also included the final round of the Agricultural Technology Innovation Competition, which involved 92 participants. There was also an international community service activity in Tilatang Kamang District, synchronized with the LPDP Equity Program, showing that the forum was designed not only for discussion but also for broader action and cooperation.
Through the series of activities, Unand and FKPT-TPI are trying to answer the challenges facing agricultural technology education today. The priorities are clear: a more relevant curriculum, stronger accreditation, and graduates who are better prepared to enter the workforce.
