To bring the outcomes of research innovations closer to the community, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a community forum titled Rembug Sesarengan under the theme Ngolah Ilmu, Nandur Harapan: Inovasi UGM untuk Ketahanan Pangan Indonesia (Cultivating Knowledge, Sowing Hope: UGM Innovation for Indonesia’s Food Security).
The event, aimed at disseminating UGM’s research outcomes, took place at Sekaran Village, Klaten Regency, on Wednesday (Oct. 29). During the event, UGM introduced and promoted its research innovation, the Gamagora 7 rice seed variety, to farmers in Sekaran and surrounding areas.
The initiative was part of the Science and Technology Campaign: “Empowering Research, Advancing Food Security”, supported by the Directorate of Science and Technology Dissemination and Utilization, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, through the Resona Saintek thematic program.
The forum featured speakers including Professor Taryono and Dr. Andrianto Ansari, the inventors of the Gamagora 7 rice seed, as well as Professor Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus and Dr. Cahya Wulandari.
Joko Istanto, an Expert Staff Member to the Regent of Klaten, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to UGM for organizing Rembug Sesarengan. He regarded the event as proof of UGM’s commitment to advancing knowledge that benefits society.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Universitas Gadjah Mada for holding this Rembug Sesarengan event. May it enlighten and benefit the farmers of Sekaran and the surrounding communities,” he said.
Delivering the regent’s written remarks, Joko Istanto stated that most agricultural practices in Klaten Regency still rely on traditional systems, with methods passed down through generations and adapted to local environmental conditions.
“For us, the application of research results in agriculture is vital because it fosters innovation, enhances productivity, and ensures sustainable food security,” he said.
He added that research-driven technologies and policies could help farmers address challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and market competition. He hoped that through UGM’s Rembug Sesarengan initiative, scientific research could be grounded in practice rather than confined to academic spaces.
“We sincerely hope that this event will help bring food-related research outcomes closer to society and promote their practical use to improve community welfare,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, Secretary of Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasized that UGM’s discoveries should not remain confined to laboratories or experimental plots but should make a tangible, positive impact on society.
“We truly want UGM’s research and innovations to make a real difference and add value to people’s lives,” he said.
He noted that education and academia are often seen as detached from the community, even though society itself is the best place to test and apply research findings.
“Our research and innovations are, at their core, for the people. UGM was founded by the nation’s own founders, and we will always uphold that spirit. We ask for everyone’s support to work hand in hand with UGM in building a more prosperous society,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Professor Taryono, one of the inventors of Gamagora 7, explained that this rice variety offers several advantages. The first is its short harvesting period.
“During the rainy season, it can be harvested within 95 days after transplanting, and in the dry season, within 85 days,” he said.
The UGM Professor of Plant Breeding added that the second advantage is its productivity. When grown on suitable clay soils, Gamagora 7 can yield up to 9.7 tons per hectare. Moreover, the variety is more resilient to climate change and unpredictable weather conditions.
Dr. Andrianto Ansari from the Faculty of Agriculture added that Gamagora 7 is ready for large-scale development. He explained that rice from this variety has a soft texture, naturally savory flavor, and high nutritional content.
“This is a result of UGM’s dedicated research, developed so that the public can enjoy a healthy and nutritious food product,” he stated.
Dr. Ansari also emphasized the importance of applying post-harvest technologies to maintain the quality of rice. He noted that rice from the Gamagora 7 variety contains high levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), making it a potential aid in reducing stunting.
“We ensure every production stage is carefully controlled so that the rice produced is not only superior in taste but also high in nutritional value,” he explained.
Following the presentation of Gamagora 7 during Rembug Sesarengan, an interactive discussion was held with local farmers. The farmers expressed enthusiasm and interest, asking how they could obtain the Gamagora 7 seeds and which crops were best suited for their land conditions.
Sekaran Village Head, Heri Tri Marjono, welcomed the initiative, noting that such activities allow the community to gain new knowledge and apply it directly in the field.
“We hope UGM’s presence will inspire farmers to optimize their agricultural practices, especially as the government continues to strengthen national food security,” he said.
Head Marjono also expressed gratitude that the event was attended not only by farmers from Sekaran but also by those from nearby villages such as Boto, Bentangan, and Watu Getas. He mentioned that Gamagora 7 has already been planted in Sekaran and hopes it will soon be cultivated throughout the village area.
“We hope Gamagora will become the icon of Sekaran, just as Rojolele rice is the icon of Delanggu,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi