Kutai Kartanegara, September 11, 2025 - Politani Samarinda, in collaboration with Bank Indonesia, successfully carried out a rice harvest using the innovative Seed Bioinvigoration method integrated with the LEISA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) system. The application of this appropriate technology has proven to provide significant benefits for farmers and supports regional food security. The harvest event, held at the Bukit Biru Farmers' Group (Gapoktan) in Tenggarong, was attended by the Director of Politani Samarinda, Hamka, S.TP., M.Sc., M.P., and his staff, as well as key officials including the Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan, Ir. H. Seno Aji, M.Sc., the Regent of Kukar, Dr. Aulia Rahman Basri, M.Kes., the Head of the BI Representative Office, and the Regional Leadership Communication Forums (Forkopimda) of East Kalimantan and Kukar on Thursday (September 11). This program is the result of a collaboration between Politani Samarinda and Bank Indonesia. Through the implementation of the innovative Seed Bioinvigoration method integrated with the LEISA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) system, rice yields have significantly increased. Previously, productivity was only 3.6 tons per hectare, but now it has increased to 6.27 tons per hectare, a 74% increase. The Director of Politani stated that this success is clear evidence that appropriate technology can directly benefit farmers. He hopes this innovation can be implemented more widely in East Kalimantan to strengthen food self-sufficiency and security. The Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan also expressed his appreciation for this achievement. He stated that the 74% increase in harvest yields represents a concrete step that needs to be expanded to support farmer welfare and strengthen regional food security. The success of the Bukit Biru Farmers' Group (Gapoktan Bukit Biru) serves as an inspiring example of how collaboration, innovation, and cross-institutional cooperation can promote more advanced, sustainable agriculture and provide direct benefits to the community. (PR)

Samarinda, September 2, 2025 – The Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani) welcomed 90 new students receiving SDMPKS scholarships funded by the Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) in 2025. The welcoming ceremony took place at the Politani Samarinda Auditorium on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The 90 new students receiving the 2025 SDMPKS scholarships, from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and several regencies/cities in East Kalimantan, were officially introduced to the Politani Samarinda campus. They were accepted into the Department of Agriculture across three study programs: * Plantation Crop Cultivation (BTP Study Program) * Plantation Product Technology (THP Study Program) * Plantation Management (PP Study Program) Also present at the reception were Deputy Director I Dr. Heriad Daud Salusu, S.Hut., M.P., lecturers, and administrative staff. Politani Samarinda Director Hamka, S.TP., M.Sc., M.P., welcomed the new students and introduced the campus leadership, including the Deputy Director and Head of Departments and Heads of Study Programs. He also interacted directly with the new scholarship recipients. Through the SDMPKS scholarship program, students receive free tuition until graduation and receive on-campus dormitory accommodation. This support is expected to produce qualified, professional human resources in oil palm plantations, ready to contribute to regional and national development. (PR)

SAMARINDA (31/08/2025) – Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Samarinda, in collaboration with the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani), once again presents the Mozaik Indonesia program, released on Friday (August 29, 2025). With the theme "Returning to Nature: Organic Farming: Fertile Soil, Prosperous Farmers," the program provides an inspiring dialogue about efforts to build healthy, environmentally friendly agriculture while improving farmer welfare. The guest speaker was Rusmini, S.P., M.P., a lecturer and researcher in the Food Crop Production Technology Study Program at Politani Samarinda. She explained that organic farming is currently an urgent need amidst the long-term impacts of using chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. "Initially, the use of chemical fertilizers can increase crop yields and promote food self-sufficiency. However, in the long term, soil degradation occurs, environmental carrying capacity declines, and farmers become increasingly dependent on expensive external inputs," she explained. According to Rusmini, returning to organic farming is not only about a healthy lifestyle, but also a solution to building sustainable agriculture. Organic systems can maintain soil fertility, improve crop quality, and produce safer food products. "Most importantly, organic farming provides economic opportunities because the selling price of organic products is much higher, and the market is more open," she added. Real Example: Anggana Village, Kutai Kartanegara In the Mozaik Indonesia program, Rusmini described her experience mentoring farmers in Anggana Village, Kutai Kartanegara. Through a gradual process, the farmer group began reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and switching to organic materials. After three years of consistency, the farmers succeeded in producing organic rice, which is now being marketed to the public. The market response has been positive. Although the price of organic rice is relatively higher, demand is actually increasing as consumers become more concerned about health and food safety. "Farmers experience dual benefits: the soil is fertile again, production costs are more manageable, and the harvest is more valuable," she said. Challenges and the Role of Academics However, the transition to organic farming is not instant. It requires patience, consistency, and a change in the farmers' mindset. Many farmers initially consider organic systems to be more complicated and slow, even though the raw materials for plant-based fertilizers and pesticides can be easily obtained from the surrounding environment, such as household waste, livestock manure, and local plants. Politani Samarinda plays an active role in research and innovation. Since 2012, several lecturers and students have produced various organic technology products, such as liquid organic fertilizers, bioactivators, and plant-based pesticides. Some have even received patents. The results of this research are not only used as teaching materials but are also directly applied in community service activities through farmer mentoring in the field. Future Hopes Rusmini emphasized that the organic farming movement must involve various parties: academics, local governments, farmer groups, and consumers. Politani Samarinda students are also directly involved through field school and community service programs, allowing them to learn and make a real contribution to farmers. "Organic farming is not just a trend, but a necessity. With healthy soil, a protected environment, quality products, and prosperous farmers, our food security will be even stronger," she concluded. The Mozaik Indonesia program concluded with a collective call to support the return to nature movement through organic farming. With the cooperation and commitment of all parties, organic farming is believed to be a real solution to future food and environmental challenges. (HUMAS)

SAMARINDA (20/08/2025) – The Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani) was officially inaugurated in a national event held in collaboration with State Universities (PTN) and Higher Education Service Institutions (LLDIKTI) throughout Indonesia. This activity serves as an important momentum in strengthening synergy and strengthening ties between DWPs of higher education institutions throughout the country. The inauguration of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Management of the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani Samarinda) for the 2024-2029 term took place solemnly and enthusiastically, conducted online via Zoom on Wednesday (August 20, 2025). The event, held in the 3rd Floor meeting room of the Politani Samarinda Rectorate Building, was attended by the Chairperson of the Politani Samarinda DWP, Marwati Hamka, along with 14 other administrators, and the Deputy Director 2 who replaced the Director for the pinning of the PIN. Meanwhile, the central event was led by Levy Olivia Nur Brian Yuliarto, Chairperson of the DWP Kemendiktisaintek, and witnessed by the central management and DWP representatives from various units across Indonesia, both offline and online. The inauguration of the DWP Politani Samarinda was held simultaneously through a national network and attended by the management, members, and representatives from the DWP PTN and LLDIKTI. This inauguration event involved not only Politani Samarinda but also 95 DWPs under the Ministry of Education and Science and LLDIKTI throughout Indonesia. The aim was to clarify the legality of the management, strengthen women's organizations that support their husbands' duties as state civil servants (ASN) in higher education, streamline organizational coordination, and strengthen cooperation between DWPs nationally. Politani Samarinda's presence at this major forum affirmed the campus's commitment to supporting the DWP's role as an organization that plays a strategic role in developing women's resources, improving family welfare, and strengthening national values. In her remarks, Indah Tagor, Chairwoman of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (Women's Association of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology), emphasized that the DWP plays a crucial role as a strategic partner in supporting their husbands' duties, while also contributing significantly to the social, educational, and cultural sectors. "The DWP must be a strong organization, a creative platform, and a space for togetherness for all its members, so that they can remain active and innovative in implementing each work program," she said. Meanwhile, Marwati Hamka, S.TP., MP, Chairwoman of the DWP Politani Samarinda, expressed her gratitude for the inauguration, which was held online for the first time on campus. She stated that this momentum serves as a starting point for strengthening solidarity among the wives of Politani Samarinda employees. "This inauguration gives us new energy to support and strengthen each other. God willing, the DWP Politani Samarinda will continue to provide tangible benefits to all members," she said. In addition to fostering togetherness, DWP Politani Samarinda also targets various positive activities, ranging from social fields, family education, to skills development, in order to increase the role of members in supporting the extended family at Politani Samarinda. Furthermore, Marwati said that the management of DWP Politani Samarinda will always be in line with the policy direction of DWP Kemendiktisaintek, so that the programs designed can support the vision and mission of the organization at the central level. With this inauguration, DWP Politani Samarinda is optimistic that it will be able to grow as a more productive organization. Support from Kemendiktisaintek is believed to further strengthen DWP's steps in creating beneficial programs for all its members.