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Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) continues to strengthen its position as a leading vocational higher education institution by integrating advanced Ultra High Temperature (UHT) technology into its Teaching Factory (TEFA) Milk unit. This innovation marks a significant milestone in Polije’s efforts to bridge academic learning with industrial practices and produce graduates ready to meet global demands.
The UHT technology installed in the TEFA Milk production line allows the processing of up to 1,000 liters of milk per batch, bringing the facility’s capacity to the level of professional dairy industries. This new development gives students the opportunity to experience real industrial operations directly within the campus, enhancing their technical skills and practical understanding of large-scale food production systems.
The TEFA Milk facility is equipped with a complete set of modern machines, including homogenizers, pasteurizers, double-jacketed tanks, and automated mixing systems. These machines support every step of the dairy production process—from raw milk handling, quality control, pasteurization, and UHT processing, to packaging and storage—allowing students to engage in a holistic learning experience.
Vice Director for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems, Agung Wahyono, Ph. D stated that this innovation aligns with Polije’s mission to advance applied learning that mirrors real industrial environments. He emphasized that Polije’s teaching factory concept aims to produce graduates who are not only technically competent but also adaptable, creative, and ready to contribute to national food industry development.
The adoption of UHT technology also ensures that students are trained using food safety and quality assurance systems that meet international standards. The process, which involves heating milk at very high temperatures for a short time to eliminate harmful microorganisms, produces shelf-stable products without compromising nutritional quality—reflecting modern industry practices.
Beyond education, TEFA Milk functions as a research and innovation hub where students and lecturers collaborate to develop new dairy products and explore packaging innovations. The facility also supports small-scale dairy entrepreneurs by providing access to processing technology and applied research outcomes.
Through this initiative, Polije not only enhances the quality of its academic programs but also contributes directly to regional economic growth and sustainable agriculture. The integration of local dairy farmers into the TEFA Milk supply chain demonstrates the campus’s strong commitment to community empowerment and the development of environmentally responsible production systems.
With the presence of industrial-standard UHT technology, TEFA Milk represents Polije’s vision of combining education, research, and production in a single platform. It stands as a model of how vocational education can align with national industrial goals while supporting sustainable development. Through innovations like TEFA Milk, Polije continues to prepare its students to become competent professionals capable of competing and leading in the global industry.