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Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) reaffirmed its role as a hub for agricultural innovation by hosting the 7th Agricultural Innovation and Technology Competition (AITeC). The finals were officially inaugurated on Sunday (28/9/2025) by Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, Director of Learning and Student Affairs at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Higher Education.
In his opening address, Dr. Beny emphasized AITeC’s broader significance.
“This competition is not merely about winning; it is a platform to strengthen the quality of human resources in agriculture. It equips students with the skills and global competitiveness needed to tackle real-world challenges,” he stated.
This year’s AITeC stood out for its international reach, drawing participants from five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, and China. According to Dr. Beny,
“The inclusion of international participants expands collaborative networks and opens doors for cross-country knowledge exchange.”
Saiful Anwar, Director of Polije, expressed pride in the institution’s role as host.
“AITeC is more than a competition it is a collaboration space that highlights the importance of partnership in agriculture. We aim to nurture a generation capable of contributing to national and global development,” he noted.
He also acknowledged the support from the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, emphasizing its role in strengthening AITeC’s position as a strategic annual event.
“With this support, we are confident AITeC will grow into a major platform driving agricultural progress in Indonesia and beyond,” Saiful added.
Beyond the competition, AITeC facilitated knowledge sharing, research discussions, and innovation exchanges among students and lecturers from various institutions. The participation of international students is expected to foster fresh ideas in addressing global issues such as food security, agricultural technology, and sustainable farming.
The event underscores Polije’s commitment to supporting the government’s agricultural priorities and solidifies its reputation as a leading center for applied agricultural research and innovation.