Extension, community empowerment, and development communication are crucial in shaping resilient Human Resources (HR) to achieve Indonesia Emas 2045.
Challenges in both technical and social aspects persist, with a significant issue being the shortage of qualified and trained extension workers. This problem must be addressed promptly.
Professor Sunarru Samsi Hariadi, a leading Extension and Development Communication expert at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), discussed the current challenges in Indonesian extension work.
According to Professor Hariadi, the main issues include limited access and infrastructure. In some remote or isolated areas, access to extension services is often restricted due to inadequate infrastructure.
“The limited infrastructure hampers reaching communities in need. Indonesia’s vast cultural and linguistic diversity can also pose challenges in delivering extension messages effectively to various groups with different needs and understandings,” he said during the National Seminar on Extension and Development Communication at UGM Thursday (Aug. 8).
Professor Hariadi noted that extension workers sometimes cover large areas with limited resources.
Changing community behavior can be a significant challenge in extension work, as some communities may have deeply ingrained practices or habits that are difficult to alter despite adequate information.
“Low literacy levels and limited access to formal education also present challenges in delivering effective information. Communities with low literacy may struggle to understand extension messages conveyed through written or printed media,” he added.
The national seminar, held by UGM’s Graduate School for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Extension and Development Communication to celebrate the retirement of Professor Sunarru Samsi Hariadi, featured notable speakers such as Professor Ravik Karsidi, Special Staff to the Minister for Human Development and Culture; Professor Sri Suning Kusumawardani, Director of Learning and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Culture (online); and Dr. Ramadani Saputra, Chair of the Extension Program Organizing Group.
Professor Karsidi emphasized the importance of data-driven development communication. He stressed that stakeholders should utilize accurate and reliable data to support effective development communication. Collecting, analyzing, and presenting relevant data to aid decision-making and raise public awareness about development issues is crucial.
According to Professor Karsidi, community extension or empowerment should adapt to advances in digital technology. Accelerating the development of information technology infrastructure is essential for improving the quality of learning and access.
“Extension should shift towards a Student-Centered Learning approach. Learning content should become public domain, and information technology can expedite material mastery,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afif