ITS Promotes Development of Productive Villages to Enhance Food Security and Alleviate Poverty

Surabaya, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) plays a crucial role in promoting the development of productive and innovative villages aimed at enhancing food security and alleviating poverty. This was highlighted at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held on Thursday (August 1) at the Sheraton Hotel Surabaya.

Dr. Melani Suweni Muntini, M.T. (right) receives a plaque from Muhamad Mardiono (left).

The event, themed “Developing Productive and Innovative Villages as a Strategy for Achieving Food Security and Poverty Alleviation,” is part of efforts to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic transformation in line with the 2024 National Budget Development agenda. This FGD is also a component of the Special Presidential Envoy for Poverty Alleviation and Food Security (UKP-BKPKKP) initiative to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

The keynote speaker at the event was Muhamad Mardiono from UKP RI, who provided a national policy perspective on poverty alleviation and food security. Ir. Budi Sarwoto, M.M., Head of the East Java Provincial Community Empowerment and Village Development Office, also spoke about provincial-level village development strategies and the challenges in empowering rural communities.

The FGD brought together 210 participants, including village government officials, BUMDES managers, MSMEs, village communities, and industry sectors, to discuss the challenges and strategies in village economic development. The event aimed to explore government policies, the challenges faced by villages, and success stories from local champions in village economic development.

Dr. Dra. Melania Suweni Muntini, M.T., Head of the ITS SDGs Research Center, emphasized ITS’s significant role in village development through innovative research and practical implementation. “ITS is committed to supporting poverty alleviation strategies in Indonesia. Collaboration with villages is part of our community service, which is one of the three pillars of higher education,” said Dr. Muntini.

ITS’s participation in this initiative is expected to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic transformation in line with national development agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her presentation, Dr. Melania outlined ITS’s focus on three main aspects to accelerate the development of SDGs villages. First, the active and collaborative engagement of stakeholders to advance SDGs villages through their participation in various stages of the process. Second, the creation of prototype SDGs villages involving problem identification, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and plan adjustments to ensure a sustainable development cycle. Third, the replication of successful models to other villages to expand the benefits and results achieved in developed villages, thereby broadening the reach and positive impact of SDGs initiatives at the village level.

Dr. Melania Suweni Muntini, M.T. delivering her presentation.

The development of productive and innovative villages in alignment with SDGs is expected to create sustainable village models that not only drive local economic growth but also contribute to national economic development. ITS, through its academic and research roles, aims to bridge the gap between villages and industry for funding and facilities, strengthening the synergy between the academic sector and the community.

With support from various parties, including ITS, it is hoped that the development of productive and innovative villages will continue to grow and be replicated in other areas, thereby supporting broader goals of food security and poverty alleviation.

Participants pose for a group photo with the speakers.