Palangkaraya, Indonesia, 21 July 2026 — SEAMEO BIOTROP organized the National Training on Sub-Optimal Land Management and Utilization at the University of Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, from 21 to 23 July 2026. The training was attended by 40 participants, consisting of 30 vocational high school (SMK) teachers from Palangkaraya and surrounding areas, representatives of SEAMEO BIOTROP, as well as representatives from IPB University and the University of Palangkaraya. The program aimed to enhance teachers' capacity in sub-optimal land management and utilization through a combination of theoretical and practical learning that can be integrated into school curricula. The training was organized in response to the challenges of managing sub-optimal land, particularly the limited technical knowledge required to support sustainable land productivity and food security.

The program was officially opened by Deputy Director for Program of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Doni Yusri, representing the Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP. In his opening remarks, he expressed appreciation to the University of Palangkaraya for its support as the host institution and welcomed all participants. He emphasized that the world is currently facing global challenges, including climate change and food security, making human resource development increasingly important. Through this training, teachers are expected not only to acquire new knowledge and practical skills but also to implement them in their schools as concrete actions that benefit both communities and the environment.

Representing the University of Palangkaraya, Dr. Natalina Asi expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP in organizing the training. She explained that the unique geographical characteristics of Central Kalimantan, which is largely dominated by peatlands, make sub-optimal land management a highly relevant issue for the region. Therefore, the training is expected to promote more productive and sustainable land utilization through teachers' role as agents of knowledge transfer to students and local communities. She also emphasized that knowledge with significant value should be widely shared to create broader impacts on environmental sustainability and regional development.

In her report, Program Coordinator Ms. Trijanti explained that participants would engage in a three-day learning program combining conceptual sessions, seminars, workshops, and hands-on practical activities. Through this integrated approach, participants are expected to gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills that can be applied in schools and surrounding communities to support the sustainable management of sub-optimal land.

Throughout the training, participants studied five key topics: Basic Introduction and Conservation of Sub-Optimal Land, Identification of Contaminated Water and Soil, Identification of Weeds on Contaminated Land, Gardening Techniques on Sub-Optimal Land, and Compost and Biofertilizer Production Techniques. All sessions were delivered by experts from SEAMEO BIOTROP, IPB University, and the University of Palangkaraya to equip participants with scientific knowledge and practical skills in sustainable sub-optimal land management.

Through the National Training on Sub-Optimal Land Management and Utilization, SEAMEO BIOTROP expects participants to master the fundamental techniques of sub-optimal land identification and conservation, conduct assessments of contaminated water and soil, and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired into classroom learning. Ultimately, the program is expected to strengthen teachers' competencies as agents of change in promoting sustainable sub-optimal land management, advancing sustainable agriculture, and supporting food security in Indonesia.