On March 19, 2024, the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program held an event that was not only informative but also raised awareness of the important role of cocoa in the Indonesian economy. Through the Zoom platform, a guest lecture with the theme “Agribusiness and Competitiveness of Indonesian Cocoa” succeeded in attracting the attention of both students and the general public who are interested in the world of cocoa agribusiness.
In a session guided by an experienced moderator, Dr. Tedy Dirhamsyah, S.P., M.A.B. from the Research Institute for Industrial and Refreshment Crops, shared valuable knowledge about the cocoa industry in Indonesia. He opened the session by providing a comprehensive overview of the history of cocoa, the commodity’s mandate, and the importance of the germplasm collection held by the Agency for Standardization of Agricultural Instruments for Industrial and Refreshing Crops.
During his presentation, Dr. Tedy carefully explained cocoa agribusiness in general, as well as analyzed the competitiveness and challenges faced by the Indonesian cocoa industry. In developing the material, he provided examples of the latest technology that can increase added value and ensure sustainable cocoa management.
Not only targeting students from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, this guest lecture is also open to the general public who have similar interests. This shows how important this knowledge is in facing global challenges and exploiting the opportunities that exist in the cocoa industry.
Through this activity, it is hoped that participants, especially students, will gain a deep understanding of the dynamics of the cocoa industry. In this way, they will be better prepared to contribute to increasing productivity, farmer welfare, and the competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa products in the global market.