Rector of UNIPI and Professors Conduct Research Visit to Central Java

The Rector of Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia, along with the Chairman and central board of LPER, carried out a collaborative research visit as part of program implementation and evaluation.

On April 24, 2025, the first day of the visit began at LPER Semarang, warmly welcomed in Mranggen Village, Demak, Semarang. The reception was led by Raden Adi Hermawan, owner of Teh Juara and an ice crystal factory, who also serves as Chairman of LPER Semarang Branch. Adi expressed his intention to elevate the region to become the Central Java Branch. The group then visited and conducted research on a 30-hectare plantation area planned for melon cultivation for export to Japan, accompanied by local LPER members, UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta researchers, and local MSME activists.

On the second day, LPER visited a fishery and fruit MSME managed by Mr. Eko in Cangkringan Village, Banyudono District, Boyolali Regency. The 5000 m² village-owned land is used to cultivate tilapia for chips production and fruits with great potential for collaboration with universities and related institutions to create new job opportunities.

The next event was a friendly meeting between LPER, UNIPI, and several female professors from UNIPI, UNS, USK, and UISU, with Ms. Astrid, Deputy Mayor of Solo. She warmly welcomed the group and emphasized that MSME development must be supported by strong human resources, technology, innovative management, and research collaborations with universities. She encouraged LPER to establish a branch in Solo Raya to strengthen coordination with local governments and MSME communities.

Prof. Francisca Sestri, Rector of UNIPI and current Secretary-General of LPER, said the meeting was a follow-up to a previous cooperation agreement with UNSA (Universitas Surakarta) signed when Ms. Astrid was still Rector. She noted the discussion was timely given the current economic challenges affecting MSMEs, and highlighted LPER Semarang’s initiative of melon farming in partnership with Japan. The event was special, attended by four professors from different universities: Prof. Francisca Sestri (UNIPI Tangerang), Prof. Rahmawati (UNS Surakarta), Prof. Srinita (USK Aceh), and Prof. Nurhayati (UISU Medan).

Haryo Tienmar, Chairman of LPER, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to assisting micro-entrepreneurs to become more productive and advance to small and medium-scale enterprises.

After discussions with the Deputy Mayor of Solo, the group visited LPER Klaten and conducted research at Centra Biotech Indonesia, owned by Drh. Luhur Sediyohadi, in Ceper, Klaten Regency, where they observed organic liquid fertilizer production.