Bengkulu, 19 Mei 2026 – SEAMEO BIOTROP, in collaboration with the University of Bengkulu, organized the National Training & Regional Seminar on Suboptimal Land Management and Utilization, organized by SEAMEO BIOTROP in collaboration with University of Bengkulu and PKR Karst Microbes – LPPM University of Hasanuddin. The event brought together speakers and participants from several ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam, as part of efforts to strengthen the sustainable utilization of suboptimal land.

The Regional Seminar is conducted in a hybrid, on 19 May 2026 through Zoom and face-to-face sessions at the University of Bengkulu. A total of 173 participants have been registered. Participants come from various sectors, including 37% from schools, 46% from universities, 11% from government institutions, 3% from research institutions, 1% from the private sector, and 2% from the general public.

Meanwhile, the National Training will be conducted offline from 20 to 22 May 2026. from 50 registered participants, 30 vocational school teachers were selected as offline participants from Bengkulu province, Indonesia. Through this activity, teachers are expected to strengthen their competencies and practical understanding related to suboptimal land management and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Rector of the University of Bengkulu, Prof. Indra Cahyadinata, emphasized that higher education institutions play an important role in supporting teachers’ capacity development, particularly in addressing environmental management and food security challenges. He also stressed that seminars and training programs should lead to concrete follow-up actions that provide benefits for both society and the education sector.

The Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Prof. Edi Santosa, stated that the regional seminar and national training are part of efforts to expand the dissemination of agricultural technology innovation. According to him, the program also serves as a strategic step in strengthening regional collaboration while enhancing the role of teachers in the management and utilization of suboptimal land.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director for the Program of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Doni Yusri, explained that Bengkulu was selected because of its significant land potential that can be developed through sustainable suboptimal land management approaches. He added that teachers play an important role as agents of change and knowledge transfer within schools and communities.

The program coordinator, Risa Rosita S.Si., M.Si., sincerely hoped this event would serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, and inspire concrete actions and future partnerships in sustainable land management across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

The activity is part of the Suboptimal Land Program under the Science, Innovation, and Technology Department of SEAMEO BIOTROP, which focuses on promoting sustainable land management, strengthening environmental resilience, and supporting biodiversity-based agricultural innovation in Southeast Asia.

(ms, rr)