Dr. Taufikurrahman, Ph.D., Chairman of ENDINAMOSIS 2023, expressed that the conference serves as a platform to collaborate with various third-party units, universities, foundations, and community leaders. Approximately 200 participants attended the conference, both online and in person. Attendees included university students, representatives from local government units, and keynote speakers from around the world.

The conference's theme, "Agricultural Waste Management through Product Innovation to Improve Land Quality and Community Economy," focused on showcasing successful rural development and community empowerment projects. Keynote speakers and guest speakers shared insights from various projects, including the utilization of pineapple skin as a biomaterial for aircraft, construction of floating houses in Sumedang, and the expansion of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDES) to address agricultural marketing challenges.

Representatives from Krandegan Village and Guranteng Village also shared their experiences with past rural development projects. These villages brought locally produced goods, such as Java Robusta and Java Arabica coffee beans, baked sweet potatoes, sweet potato chips, sweet potato crisps, and banana chips, to be sold during the event.

Dr. Taufikurrahman emphasized the importance of positive steps in agricultural waste management, urging participants to view such materials as raw materials rather than waste. He highlighted ITB's mission to be relevant locally and create a positive impact on communities.

A Round Table Discussion was held to brainstorm innovative projects and create new products that can contribute to rural development. The discussion aimed to find solutions and engage participants in collaborative efforts. The results of the round table discussion included plans for a rural development project with the Pertamina Foundation and the publication of an academic journal on related topics.

On the second day of the event, parallel sessions covered project presentations on successfully implemented community empowerment initiatives. Participants from 18 groups representing various universities around Indonesia shared their research and experiences.

P2D ITB plans to publish a journal on rural development this year, and selected parallel session participants may have the opportunity to include their research papers in the journal. Dr. Taufikurrahman expressed hope that the knowledge gained from the conference would inspire collaborative projects, particularly partnerships with universities outside Indonesia.

The 2023 ENDINAMOSIS conference provided a platform for experts and practitioners to discuss and share ideas about rural development projects that have a tangible impact on communities. ITB remains committed to supporting rural development projects to safeguard and enhance the well-being of communities.

Reporter: Ardiansyah Satria Aradhana (Agricultural Engineering, 2020)

Translator: Kezia Hosana

Editor: Vera Citra Utami