Students Start To Look At Agriculture As A Career For The Future

JAKARTA - In the midst of increasing awareness of lifestyles returning to nature (back to nature) and healthy food trends, the agricultural sector is again an important concern for the younger generation.

Many young people are starting to realize that agriculture is no longer just a matter of hoes and rice fields, but is part of a sustainable lifestyle, creative business opportunities, and the future of the Indonesian economy.

One of the figures who actively encourage this awareness is agroindustrial entrepreneur, Jerry Hermawan Lo (JHL), through the Kelapa Scholarship program.

This program was given to Hasanuddin University (Unhas) students, Makassar, and was symbolically handed over at the Rectorate Unhas Building, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 with the JHL Foundation and the campus.

The awarding of the scholarship was witnessed directly by the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jampa, M.Sc. A total of 100 students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, and Faculty of Vocational Faculty are recipients of this scholarship.

On that occasion, Jerry reiterated that the agricultural sector plays an important role in Indonesia's future.

"This 'farm' is actually an Indonesian secret weapon," said Jerry from his official statement.

Jerry highlighted how Indonesia's natural resources are very rich and have the potential to generate large economic value. He gave an example of coconut commodities that grow a lot in coastal areas of Indonesia.

20 years ago, our coconuts grew wild in forests in the sea and beaches. Now, if managed with the right downstreaming, coconuts can produce trillions of rupiah," he said.

Through the Royal Agro-Industry (RAI), Jerry has proven that Indonesian coconut is in demand by the international market.

"Now more than 20 countries have ordered coconut products from the Royal Agro Industry. Now we can produce nearly 1 million grains per day," he explained with optimism.

"Currently I am in the process of acquiring a coconut factory that can produce 2 million coconut grains per day. If this acquisition is complete, we will be the largest producer of the coconut industry in the world," he added.

According to Jerry, Indonesia may lose in technology and industry from other countries, but have natural advantages that cannot be imitated.

"In many countries for six months there is no sun. In our country a year, 12 months there is a sun. So we have an advantage," he said.

He hopes that scholarship recipient students will not only study, but also dare to become entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

"You become agricultural entrepreneurs you can absorb a lot of labor in your village, then attract your brothers to follow in your footsteps," he said.

The Rector of Unhas, Jamaluddin Jampa, welcomed this program and assessed that the Kelapa Scholarship is in line with campus efforts to produce innovative and entrepreneurial graduates. He expressed his appreciation for Jerry's concern for the development of education and agriculture in Indonesia.

One of the scholarship recipients, Viki Saputra, a student from Bone, also benefited greatly from this program.

"I was very inspired by Mr. Jerry's help. Because this is very helpful for students whose parents are unable to pay for their children," he said.

He hopes that in the future, scholarship recipients can follow in the footsteps of Jerry's success.

"Hopefully these assisted students can be like he is a successful businessman," he added.