Enviro News Asia, Purwokerto — Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) received a delegation from the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) and South Korea’s Kumkang Electric Industry Co., Ltd to explore a proposed collaboration on the development of renewable energy–based smart farm technology. The visit took place over two days, from 14 to 15 January 2026.
The meeting followed an initial discussion held at Unsoed in November 2025, which introduced Kumkang Electric’s plan to implement and further develop smart farm technology integrated with renewable energy systems. The proposed concept combines photovoltaic (solar cell) power generation with modern livestock and agricultural operations to support sustainable farming practices.
The BRIN delegation, representing the Microgrid Research Group at the Research Center for Electrical Power Technology, was led by Dr. Kholid Akhmad. Kumkang Electric Industry Co., Ltd was represented by its delegation head, Mr. Lee Koo. Both delegations were formally welcomed by Unsoed Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Akhmad Sodiq, M.Sc.Agr., IPU., ASEAN Eng., accompanied by Vice Rector for Cooperation and Planning Prof. Handoko and senior university officials at the Unsoed Rectorate Building.
Dr. Kholid Akhmad explained that the visit marked an initial step in responding to Kumkang Electric’s interest in establishing cooperation in renewable energy–based poultry farming. He noted that activities in 2026 would focus on site selection and feasibility studies, the results of which would be reported to the Government of South Korea to determine subsequent stages of the program.
Following the coordination meeting, the delegation conducted a field visit to Unsoed’s poultry farm located in the Gunung Tugel area of Purwokerto, which currently has a capacity of up to 40,000 chickens. Further technical discussions were also held to explore pathways for realizing the proposed collaboration. According to Dr. Kholid, the initiative has the potential to contribute to Indonesia’s national Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program by strengthening technology-based poultry production.
Rector Akhmad Sodiq welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Unsoed as a strategic partner. He emphasized that the collaboration would provide valuable opportunities for students and researchers to gain exposure to advanced livestock technologies developed in South Korea, while also reinforcing Unsoed’s growing portfolio of international partnerships.
Vice Rector Prof. Waluyo Handoko reaffirmed the university’s readiness to support the cooperation through the provision of facilities and infrastructure. Discussions during the meeting highlighted opportunities for joint research and pilot implementation of smart farm systems designed to increase productivity while advancing the use of clean and sustainable energy.
Mr. Lee Koo presented Kumkang Electric’s smart farm concept, explaining that the proposed poultry housing would accommodate approximately 20,000 chickens and be powered by solar panels with a capacity of around 100 kilowatts. He noted that South Korea’s strong government support for solar energy development has accelerated innovation in photovoltaic technology.
He further explained that Indonesia’s significant potential in the poultry sector presents an opportunity for mutually beneficial collaboration. In addition to solar power utilization, Kumkang Electric also introduced an innovation in livestock waste management, whereby chicken manure would be processed into pellets and reused as fuel for heating systems within the poultry houses.
Through this visit, Unsoed expressed hope that cooperation with BRIN and Kumkang Electric Industry Co., Ltd would soon be realized, strengthening research, innovation, and the practical application of sustainable technology in Indonesia’s livestock sector. (*)
