Balikpapan & Semarang, May 2026 – Semarang & Balikpapan, May 2026 – SEAMEO BIOTROP is organizing the Smart Urban Farming Training for Teachers and Educational Personnel under the theme “Utilization of Agricultural Technology and Sustainable Food Education” in Semarang, Central Java, and Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. This activity is part of the Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism (AEET) Program aimed at strengthening the capacity of schools and educational communities in implementing technology-based urban agriculture and sustainable food education.

The training is conducted from 19 to 22 May 2026 over four days (±32 learning hours). In Semarang, the activity is held at SMP Negeri 22 Semarang, while in Balikpapan it takes place at SMP Negeri 14 Balikpapan. The program targets teachers and school managers as participants to strengthen their understanding and practical skills in smart urban farming systems integrated with digital technology and sustainable education approaches.

The training was developed in response to the growing challenges of urbanization, limited agricultural land, and the need to strengthen urban food security through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Through this program, SEAMEO BIOTROP introduces the application of Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies in urban agriculture systems, including hydroponics, aquaponics, edible mushroom cultivation, fruit cultivation in pots (tabulampot), and food fish cultivation. The program also introduces the Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism (AEET) virtual learning prototype developed by SEAMEO BIOTROP as an interactive learning and dissemination platform for agricultural education.

The series of activities includes presentation sessions, hands-on practicums, discussions, reflections, pre-tests and post-tests, as well as field visits. The opening session features remarks from school representatives, local education offices, and the leadership of SEAMEO BIOTROP. In his remarks, the Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Edi Santosa, emphasized that smart urban farming can become a strategic approach for strengthening food security awareness and contextual learning in schools through direct practice and technology integration.

Various topics were presented during the training, including building learning commitment, introduction to the concept of smart urban farming, hydroponic cultivation, edible mushroom cultivation, fruit plant cultivation in pots, food fish cultivation, and aquaponics cultivation. The materials are delivered by speakers from SEAMEO BIOTROP and IPB University who have expertise in agriculture, food systems, and sustainable education.

In Balikpapan, the sessions are delivered by Prof. Dr. Edi Santosa, S.P., M.Si., Dewi Suryani, S.P., M.M., Dr. Ir. Supriyanto, Dr. Doni Yusri, S.P., M.M., Fajar Maulana, S.Pi., M.Si., and Dr. Apriana Vinasyiam, S.Pi., M.Si. Meanwhile, the training in Semarang features Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, M.Pd., Dewi Suryani, S.P., M.M., Risa Rosita, M.Si., Dr. Ir. Supriyanto, Dr. Doni Yusri, S.P., M.M., Fajar Maulana, S.Pi., M.Si., and Moh Burhanuddin Mahmud, S.Pi., M.Si., who share their expertise in agriculture, food systems, and sustainable education.

In addition to theoretical sessions, participants also take part in practical activities directly guided by the SEAMEO BIOTROP facilitation team. The practicum sessions aim to provide participants with hands-on experience in applying simple agricultural technologies that can be implemented in schools and communities.

On the final day, participants will join field visits to observe the implementation of smart urban farming practices. Participants in Semarang will visit SMK Theresiana Bandungan, a vocational school known for its environmental and agriculture-based learning activities in the highland area of Bandungan, Central Java. Meanwhile, participants in Balikpapan will visit SMA Negeri 9 Balikpapan, a school recognized for its Botanical Garden School program and environmental education initiatives. These visits will provide opportunities for field observation, discussion, and exchange of experiences related to the implementation of urban agriculture through educational and community empowerment approaches.

Through this program, SEAMEO BIOTROP hopes that the smart urban farming training will strengthen the capacity of educational communities in implementing sustainable agriculture. In addition, the program is expected to reinforce schools' role as learning centers that support food security, innovation, and environmental awareness.

(ms, ds)