Jakarta, March 6, 2026 — Mushroom expert speakers from SEAMEO BIOTROP, Risa Rosita, S.Si., M.Si., and Mr. Ramdani from the Science Innovation Technology Department, attended the Mushroom Cultivation and Mushroom Barn Management training held at SMA Negeri 35 Jakarta. The training was organized by PT. Lunar Edukasi Cipta Indonesia and SMA Negeri 35 Jakarta were attended by 200 10th-grade students and teacher representatives. The activity was designed to increase the capacity of 10th-grade students in mushroom cultivation techniques and proper mushroom barn management.

The Principal of SMA Negeri 35 Jakarta, Ms. Nenny Suryani, M.Pd., stated that there are currently two mushroom barns at the school, but they are not yet operational, so guidance from SEAMEO BIOTROP is needed to restore their productivity. Furthermore, the school hopes that students at SMA Negeri 35 will be equipped with mushroom cultivation techniques and management so that, once the mushrooms are ready, they can participate in the cultivation and maintenance process.

Manager of the Science Innovation Technology Department, Risa Rosita, S.Si., M.Si., explained that mushroom cultivation is carried out by neatly arranging the mushroom bags on racks to ensure optimal mushroom growth. The mushroom environment must be maintained at a temperature of around 21–26°C with a humidity level of 80–90%, which is monitored using a thermohygrometer or hygrometer to measure air humidity. Data from the hygrometer helps to manage and determine when misting or watering is necessary to maintain ideal mushroom conditions. Furthermore, the mushroom must be kept clean to avoid pest and disease contamination. With proper management and humidity monitoring, oyster and cloud ear mushrooms can generally be harvested in 7–14 days.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ramdani, a mushroom technician from the Science Innovation Technology Department, added that proper management of the growing medium (baglog), adequate lighting, and regular monitoring of mushroom conditions and mushroom production are also important factors in supporting successful mushroom cultivation.

In addition to visiting the school mushroom barn, the two speakers also taught students about various types of edible mushrooms, their benefits and roles for health and the environment, and basic cultivation techniques. In the practical session, students began making baglogs as a growing medium for oyster mushrooms, starting by mixing ingredients such as sawdust, bran, and lime, packaging them in plastic, and sterilizing them before planting mushroom seedlings. Through this activity, students gained not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience in the stages of oyster mushroom cultivation, from media preparation to production. This activity is also part of SEAMEO BIOTROP's contribution to supporting contextual learning programs and strengthening students' skills, initiated by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in encouraging practice-based education, introducing biodiverseity, and developing entrepreneurial skills in the school and environment.