Impactful Internship in Agribusiness: UNU Jogja Students Deployed to Merapi Sejahtera Dairy Cooperative

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Agribusiness Study Program, Faculty of Halal Industry, UNU Jogja, officially deployed students to take part in the Impactful Internship Program at the Merapi Sejahtera Dairy Cooperative (SEMESTA) on Saturday, September 27. This initiative is part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in the field while strengthening their competencies in the agribusiness sector.

Head of the Agribusiness Study Program, Nur Saudah Al Arifa D., emphasized that the Impactful Internship serves as a concrete implementation of MBKM by bridging theory and practice while also benefiting industry partners.

“We hope our students can both learn and apply their knowledge in agribusiness effectively. This program is expected to be a strategic step in shaping professional agribusiness talents who are ready to face industry challenges,” she stated.

The delegation consisted of three students, Rifka Firnanda, Chania Nur Aziza, and Thalula Salma, accompanied by two supervising lecturers, Meita Puspa Dewi, S.Pt., M.Sc. and Dheny Arina Hartawaty, S.Hut., M.Sc.. They were warmly welcomed by the Head of SEMESTA, Ruslan, S.Pt.

According to Ruslan, the MBKM program brings positive impacts both for students and for the cooperative.

“Students gain direct field experience, not just classroom theory. Their presence helps operational activities and often brings fresh new ideas. They show adaptability, high motivation to learn, and strong potential to become ready-to-work professionals,” he explained.

He further added that coordination between universities, students, and industry partners should continue to be strengthened so that the curriculum becomes increasingly aligned with industry needs, maximizing the benefits of MBKM for all parties involved.

The internship program, running from September 29, 2025 to January 15, 2026, will enable students to learn various aspects of agribusiness, ranging from cattle farm management and dairy product processing to livestock product marketing strategies.

SEMESTA is one of the leading dairy cooperatives that not only focuses on cattle farming but also develops processed dairy products such as fresh milk, yogurt, and cheese. In addition, the cooperative manages an educational tourism program that introduces the public to livestock farming and dairy processing. SEMESTA also produces organic fertilizer from livestock waste, supporting sustainable agriculture. [Latifah]