The Student Executive Board (BEM KM) of IPB University has once again showcased its commitment to the fields of agriculture and food through the "Semarak Bumi Tani" program, an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Social Community of BEM KM IPB. This program was organized in commemoration of the Farmer's Day and World Food Day.

Latif Hidayatul Ikhsan, the Coordinating Minister of BEM KM IPB, stated, “SERUNI provides a platform for IPB to affirm its identity as a 'people's campus' and to commemorate Farmer's Day and World Food Day, aligning with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

In collaboration with Seameo Biotrop, the Semarak Bumi Tani (SERUNI) 2023 event took place from July to October 2023. The main event was held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at IPB University, focusing on the theme “The Future of Indonesia’s Food Resilience Without Imports: Recognizing the Potential and Uniqueness of Local Foods.”

Distinguished figures participated in the event, including Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran, Director of Seameo Biotrop; Dr. Ir. Anton Apriyanto, M.S., the Minister of Agriculture from 2004 to 2009; Batara Siagian, SP, M. AB, the Director of Processing and Marketing of Crop Products; and Dedi Mulyadi, the modern-day IPB farmer and agricultural counselor in Subang, West Java. The event was attended by approximately 200 participants and comprised of a talk show, a food-themed drama performance, and a farmers' bazaar.

Mr. Anton emphasized the need for Indonesia to optimize its agricultural work, stating, “As a nation, we should not merely accept finished products made from our raw materials.” He pointed out that Indonesia's geographical richness provides an abundance of natural resources, which need effective agricultural management for prosperity. He stressed the importance of all stakeholders' involvement.

Mr. Batara Siagian articulated, “Although rice is a staple, there are many other sources of carbohydrates. According to Bapenas Regulation No. 11 of 2023, food is anything derived from biota, plantation, fisheries, livestock, and water.” He also emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in thinking that rice is not the only food staple and highlighted the importance of understanding production risks.

Mr. Dedi, the Millennial Farmer Ambassador, highlighted the significant role of the youth. "The youth play a pivotal role in introducing agricultural innovations to the community and in opening business opportunities, hence fostering trust. It might be challenging, but agricultural corporations should be established, assisted by better government policies and market conditions," he added.

The Semarak Bumi Tani event provided an opportunity to discuss national food resilience and facilitated a bazaar for agricultural small-medium enterprises (UMKM). This initiative also signifies IPB University's commitment to local farmers. It is hoped that this event will benefit the local community surrounding the campus and impart new knowledge and insights to the participants.