The Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM) inaugurated a dairy processing pilot plant at the Food and Nutrition Study Center (PSPG UGM) in the Central University Research Building (PAU) at the UGM Graduate School.
This facility serves as a learning tool for students to produce various dairy-based products, such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
The inauguration was marked by the signing of a plaque and ribbon-cutting ceremony by UGM’s Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, witnessed by the Dean of FTP UGM, Professor Eni Harmayani, and the Head of PSPG UGM, Professor Sri Raharjo.
Professor Udasmoro stated that the pilot plant is part of FTP UGM’s efforts to provide students with practical experience, particularly in dairy processing and its derivative products.
The vice-rector hopes this facility will better equip students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical pilot-scale projects, fostering innovation in dairy-based food technology.
“We are optimistic that this pilot plant can enhance collaboration between universities and industries in developing sustainable food processing technologies,” Professor Udasmoro remarked in a statement sent to journalists on Thursday (Feb. 13).
Professor Harmayani appreciated the inauguration of the pilot plant as a concrete step toward developing students’ competencies in food technology.
She noted that FTP UGM remains committed to encouraging students to conduct substantial research in line with industry needs.
“Through this facility, students can develop creative ideas and apply the latest technologies in producing dairy products that meet the demands of an ever-evolving market,” she explained.
Professor Tyas Utami, the Head of the Department of Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), also expressed confidence that the pilot plant’s presence would support more than 20 courses relevant to the established curriculum, providing students with a platform to enhance their skills.
“This pilot plant is expected to become a learning hub, offering students real-world experience in producing various dairy products,” she said.
After the plaque signing, the event continued with a facility tour, including explanations of room functions and the technology used. Guests also had the opportunity to sample various dairy products produced at the plant.
This dairy processing pilot plant is the result of a collaboration between TPHP FTP UGM, PSPG UGM, and PT Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs by: FTP UGM