VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has called for the advancement of agricultural and marine innovation based on 4.0 technology development.

"The adoption of agricultural and marine 4.0 innovation by integrating the digital world, internet, and production is (meant) to keep improving Indonesia's agricultural and marine industries in the future," he said in a video to mark the 58th anniversary of the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) here on Wednesday.

Speaking from his official residence, Amin affirmed that the use of online systems for agricultural and marine innovations is important because today, information technology is growing rapidly.

"We understand that the implementation of information technology becomes very massive in overcoming the limitations of workspaces. Thus, it builds this nation," he remarked.

Therefore, he urged universities in Indonesia, especially IPB, to increase quality research in boosting production in the agriculture and marine sectors.

"I also urge IPB to provide support for higher education institutions in regions to bring forward the potential and production of agriculture and marine (sectors) for the welfare of the community," he emphasized.

"IPB is expected to enhance cooperation and collaboration with various industries, thus it can create graduates who are ready to face the business world," he added.

The vice president requested all members of the academic community at Bogor Agricultural Institute to take advantage of opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis to push economic growth in Indonesia.

"Currently, we are still facing the COVID-19 pandemic where there are many challenges, but on the contrary, there are also wide-open innovation opportunities to overcome the problems," he observed.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo had said that the agricultural sector, considering its enormous potential, will become Indonesia's strength in the future.

“If we wish to develop this nation, agriculture is the most prepared sector. We already have the resources. However, we have to quickly catch up in every aspect," he remarked while giving a public lecture at the Agricultural Development Polytechnic, Bogor, West Java, according to a statement received here.

The digital era has significantly bolstered the acceleration of Indonesia's agricultural development, he noted.

He also urged millennials to leave the old mindset of farming. “The past paradigm is not relevant anymore. If we do not change, we will be left behind and lose," the minister remarked. (Antaranews)