Denpasar, Indonesia, 7 July 2026 — SEAMEO BIOTROP organized the National Training on Smart Urban Farming for Teachers and Education Personnel: Utilizing Agricultural Technology for Sustainable Food Education at SMA Negeri 1 Denpasar, Bali, from 7–10 July 2026. The training brought together 40 teachers and education personnel from elementary, junior high, senior high/vocational high, and special education schools (SLB) across Bali. The program was designed to strengthen educators' capacity to integrate Internet of Things (IoT)-based agricultural technology into classroom learning while promoting food security and sustainable education in schools.

The program was officially opened by Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Edi Santosa. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that "Urban farming is not only about producing food, but also serves as a learning platform that integrates science, technology, environmental awareness, and entrepreneurship. We hope teachers will become agents of change in fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in schools." He also noted that, based on SEAMEO BIOTROP's evaluation, teachers' understanding of the philosophy of urban farming still needs to be strengthened. Therefore, the training is expected to enhance teachers' competencies so they can effectively implement Smart Urban Farming-based learning in their respective schools.

Also delivering welcoming remarks, Mr. Made Rida, Principal of SMA Negeri 1 Denpasar, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in the school as the host of the national training program. According to him, the program aligns well with the school's ongoing environmental education initiatives through land utilization and greening activities. He expressed hope that the knowledge and skills gained during the training would be implemented in participants' schools, enabling more students to become familiar with modern agriculture from an early age.

Throughout the four-day program, participants engaged in a combination of conceptual learning and hands-on practice focusing on the application of Internet of Things (IoT) in various urban farming systems. Training topics included hydroponics, aquaponics, edible mushroom cultivation, fruit cultivation in pots (tabulampot), freshwater fish farming, and the use of digital sensors for real-time cultivation monitoring. In addition to classroom sessions, participants developed implementation action plans and took part in a field visit to SMK Negeri 1 Petang to observe the practical application of IoT-based Smart Urban Farming. All training sessions were delivered by resource persons and instructors from SEAMEO BIOTROP and IPB University, who possess expertise in urban agriculture and agricultural technology.

Through this National Training on Smart Urban Farming, SEAMEO BIOTROP expects participating teachers to integrate modern agricultural technology into classroom learning while developing more contextual, innovative, and sustainable educational models. The program is also expected to strengthen technological literacy, enhance school-based food security, and foster environmental stewardship as part of SEAMEO BIOTROP's commitment to supporting sustainable development in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia.