Depok, 25 February 2026 – Issues such as environmental degradation, food security, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology are increasingly gaining attention across various sectors. As centers for knowledge development, universities are considered to play a strategic role in fostering innovative solutions that are concrete and action-oriented. In response to this urgency, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), held the UI Geoscience Seminar (UIGS) x STARBORN MENGAJAR 2026 with the theme “TANAM SAYANG: Caring for the Environment Starts at Home” on Monday (23/2/2026), at the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall, FMIPA UI Campus, Depok.
The event, attended by students from the Geology and Geophysics programs, featured Dr. Ir. Harris Susanto, S.Si., M.Hum., President Director of PT. Starborn Chemical, as the main speaker. The seminar served as a dialogue platform between academics and practitioners to discuss environmental solutions grounded in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, M.Si., in his remarks, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing increasingly complex environmental issues. “Collaboration between universities and industry practitioners is key to delivering environmental solutions that are not only conceptual but also implementable and have a tangible impact on society,” he said.
The opening session was interactive. Dr. Harris distributed salad products from his own enterprise to the participants. He shared how his business grew to employ 18 staff members and operate three active outlets. This story served as an introduction to the idea that environmental care can start with simple steps managed consistently and professionally.
Moving into the core material, Dr. Harris guided the students through the history of the Cultuurstelsel (Forced Cultivation) in a dialogical manner. The discussion focused on understanding that land is the fundamental foundation of ecosystems and the sustainability of life. From this perspective, he emphasized the importance of wiser, long-term-oriented natural resource management.
In the technology and innovation session, he encouraged students to develop existing solutions that are not yet optimal, including through the creation of software based on real community needs. “If you want to create innovation, don’t always start from scratch. Improve what already exists and use AI as a tool to accelerate its impact, especially in the fields of environment and agriculture,” said Harris.
He also emphasized that significant change must start from the smallest unit: the family. “The Tanam Sayang movement is simple: start at home, care for your yard, support your family’s food security. From there, the impact can spread to the wider community,” he said.
At the end of the presentation, the concept of “Monetizing Everything” was also discussed. According to him, every environmentally conscious activity that is managed professionally holds economic value. Managing home gardens, urban farming, and environment-based innovations are considered to have the potential to become sustainable business opportunities.
The discussion following the presentation demonstrated high student enthusiasm. Key topics included the implementation of AI in agriculture, strategies for starting cultivation on limited land, and opportunities to monetize home garden produce.
The organization of UIGS x STARBORN MENGAJAR 2026 reflects FMIPA UI’s ongoing commitment to providing an academic forum relevant to strategic issues, while shaping students to become environmental change agents starting within their own families.
