InfoSAWIT, YOGYAKARTA – The Stiper Agricultural Institute (INSTIPER) Yogyakarta held its 84th undergraduate and 30th postgraduate graduation ceremony at GRHA INSTIPER on Saturday (May 31). A total of 331 graduates were conferred degrees, including 19 graduates from the Master of Plantation Management program and 312 graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, and Faculty of Forestry.
Of this number, 145 graduates (34%) achieved cum laude honors. Additionally, 80 graduates received scholarships from various institutions, including PT Asian Agri (8), PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper/RAPP (40), KIP Kuliah (11), PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro/BGA (13), PT Toba Pulp Lestari/TPL (4), and the South Nias Regional Government (4).
In his graduation speech, INSTIPER Rector Dr. Harsawardana emphasized that INSTIPER continues to adapt to technological advancements and industry needs. “We design curricula in collaboration with strategic partners from the plantation and forestry industries to bridge the gap between theory and practice. INSTIPER has implemented the Impactful Curriculum 2025 in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, emphasizing the relevance of higher education to contemporary needs,” he stated in an official statement reported by InfoSAWIT on Monday (June 2, 2025).
He also mentioned that INSTIPER actively equips students with technological skills through digital-based courses and practical training, as well as co-curricular activities such as the Instiper Drone Academy, Instiper Robotic Academy, and other academies.
According to him, INSTIPER graduates are quickly absorbed into the workforce. “The average waiting time for graduates is only about six months. In fact, 20% of graduates in this period have secured jobs before one month after graduation,” he added.
INSTIPER has also become a preferred institution for industry practitioners to pursue a Master's degree in Plantation Management. “Some of the postgraduate graduates currently hold positions as senior assistants, estate managers, general managers, and directors. This also opens golden opportunities for new graduates to deepen their knowledge while building professional relationships,” Harsawardana noted.
The best undergraduate graduate award went to Armin Dwi Rifa’i, SP. from the Faculty of Agriculture with a GPA of 3.92, who has been accepted to work at PT Musim Mas. Meanwhile, the best graduate from the Plantation Management Master's program was awarded to Ardian Wahyu Febianto, S.P., M.Si. with a GPA of 4.00 and a study duration of 1 year and 6 months.
Armin, hailing from Temanggung Regency, expressed his pride in being part of INSTIPER. “I am very grateful and proud to be part of the INSTIPER family. I received exceptional academic experiences and support from the lecturers,” he said. He also mentioned that although he comes from a non-palm oil plantation area, his parents' background in the palm oil industry motivated him to choose the Bachelor of Palm Oil Plantation Study Program (SPKS).
The graduation ceremony was also attended by representatives from INSTIPER's partner companies. Agus Sutrisno, Human Capital and OSM Group Department Head at PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro, stated that INSTIPER has become a strategic partner in producing ready-to-work human resources. “INSTIPER students who intern with us through the MSIB program can receive a ‘golden ticket’ for employment if they meet the qualifications,” he said.
Similarly, Bumantara Gani, Director of Talent Management at PT RAPP, remarked, “For 14 years, we have entrusted scholarships to students from the Faculty of Forestry at INSTIPER. We regularly monitor and evaluate their academic achievements in collaboration with the campus.” (T2)
