Magelang, April 22, 2024 – Supervisors from the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) program, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, paid a direct visit to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of Magelang Regency. This visit aims to monitor and evaluate the ongoing student internship activities and establish direct communication with the Head of BPS Magelang Regency and field supervisors. A total of three students underwent an internship program at BPS Magelang Regency by focusing on three main activities:
One with the Land: Census of Agriculture
Students actively collect data on various agricultural sector indicators, including agricultural production, farm households, and agricultural businesses. This activity plays a vital role in providing accurate data that reflects the real condition of the farm sector.
Area Sample Framework (ASF): Recording Harvested Areas from the Air and Land
In this activity, students conduct an area-based survey by observing sample segments. The data collected is used to estimate harvest areas quickly, especially for food commodities.
Cropping: Measuring Productivity, Sowing Hope
Students are also involved in measuring agricultural productivity, such as rice crops, by observing an area of 6.25 m². This data is essential as a basis for broader agricultural production projections.
In addition to field activities, students also contributed to the preparation of data publications, such as the Magelang Dalam Angka 2025 Book, website content management, and information presentation in the form of informative and interesting infographics. The results of this publication are not only a source of statistical data but also support government policy-making at the central, provincial, and district levels.
The monitoring results show that all student internship activities have been conducted in accordance with the conversion courses in the MBKM program. These include Agricultural Policy Applications, Sustainable Agriculture Applications, Agricultural and Natural Resources Applications, and other soft skill development courses.
Students’ involvement in this activity not only increases their academic and practical capacity but also supports sustainable development efforts through the provision of quality and measurable data, which is an important foundation in achieving planning and policies oriented towards community welfare and environmental sustainability.
Collaboration between BPS and universities like this is hoped to continue and expand as a forum for authentic student learning and a direct contribution to data-based development. The Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (EPA) Study Program hopes this activity can strengthen student competence in linking science with community needs and form graduates who are adaptive, analytical, and have real impact.
Authors: Aprilia Dwi Hastuti
Website Admin of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM