The Master in Phytopathology Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a meaningful sharing session with Yayasan Mentari Menerangi Indonesia (Sunshine Project) and Ms. Maria Stephanie, focusing on the role of local food in strengthening food security. The event was part of the welcoming activities for new students under the theme “Phytopathology Connected and Rejoices.”
The Head of the Master in Phytopathology Program highlighted empathy as a key value for both academic life and community engagement. She reminded students that just as humans depend on microbiomes for health, society thrives through empathy—the ability to feel what others feel. This message resonated strongly with the diverse student body, representing regions from Sumatra to Papua, as they embark on their academic journey together.
In the afternoon session, Ms. Maria Stephanie, representing Yayasan Mentari Menerangi Indonesia, echoed the same value of empathy through her talk on local food. She emphasized that recognizing and valuing Indonesia’s rich diversity of local foods is not only a pathway to food security but also a way to cultivate empathy for communities across the archipelago.
The session was enriched by inspiring stories from the foundation’s work in eastern Indonesia, where contextual education through local food has brought positive change and hope. The presence of representatives from Timor added a special touch, symbolizing unity and the richness of Indonesia’s cultural and food heritage.
Students expressed their enthusiasm in learning that local Indonesian foods are abundant, diverse, and nutritionally complete. The event concluded with a shared commitment to return to local fruits and foods available in daily life while fostering empathy and collaboration for the betterment of Indonesia.
Through this collaboration, the Master in Phytopathology Program and Yayasan Mentari Menerangi Indonesia aim to inspire young scholars to take part in building a resilient food system rooted in Indonesia’s local wisdom.
