Telkom University Expands Access to Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Knowledge

Telkom University actively advances food security and sustainable agriculture through research, innovation, and community-based programs that promote independence, technological adaptation, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives reflect the university’s ongoing contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, emphasizing the importance of knowledge transfer and community empowerment in strengthening local food systems.

IoT-Based Urban Farming: Empowering Local Farmers Through Technology

A flagship program in this effort is the IoT-Based Urban Farming Program Bandung City. This initiative integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology through the SiMonA (Smart Monitoring for Agriculture) system, which allows farmers to monitor real-time agricultural conditions — including temperature, humidity, pH, and water turbidity.

By using this data-driven approach, farmers can optimize water and fertilizer use, reduce agricultural waste, and improve productivity and crop quality. The program not only enhances food production efficiency but also strengthens urban food resilience and supports a low-carbon agricultural system that reduces environmental impact.

Center of Excellence for Sustainable Cities, Villages, and Food Security

At Telkom University Purwokerto, the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Cities, Villages, and Food Security serves as a key hub for research and collaboration in sustainable development. The center focuses on smart agriculture, rural innovation, and inclusive growth, combining modern digital tools with local wisdom to create scalable and environmentally sound agricultural models.

Through research partnerships with local governments and farmer groups, the center promotes the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices and strengthens community capacity to manage natural resources sustainably.

Sorgumology Initiative: Promoting Food Diversification and Nutrition

Complementing its technological and research-based efforts, Telkom University also leads the Sorgumology Initiative, which promotes sorghum cultivation as a nutritious, drought-resistant alternative to rice and corn. This program supports food diversification, enhances nutrition awareness, and addresses national food vulnerability caused by price volatility and import dependence. Sorghum, a high-fiber grain with a low glycemic index, contributes to stunting prevention and serves as a healthier food source for communities vulnerable to malnutrition or diabetes. The initiative combines education, field cultivation, and applied research to introduce sorghum-based solutions for sustainable food production.

Comprehensive Support for Local Farmers and Food Producers

Beyond these flagship projects, Telkom University remains deeply committed to supporting local farmers and food producers through various research and community service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat) programs.
The university’s efforts include:

• Development of smart agricultural technology and IoT-based monitoring systems,
• Food supply chain innovation for greater efficiency and transparency,
• Optimization of local resource utilization, and
• Community training in sustainable and independent food production.

Through these initiatives, Telkom University provides open access to food security knowledge, modern agricultural practices, and aquaculture technologies, helping farmers and rural communities adopt sustainable methods that ensure long-term resilience and productivity.

Conclusion

By integrating technology, education, and community collaboration, Telkom University has established a holistic approach to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. These collective initiatives, from IoT-based farming and sorghum cultivation to smart agricultural research and rural empowerment, reinforce the university’s leadership in building innovative, inclusive, and sustainable food systems, contributing directly to national and global efforts toward a resilient and food-secure future.