Indonesian agriculture stands at a critical crossroads today. On one side, the threat of land-use conversion and diminishing youth interest looms over national food sustainability. On the other, the integration of Islamic values, technological innovation, and post-harvest modernization offers massive, untapped business opportunities.
These strategic insights were highlighted by Prof. Dr. U. Maman Kh., S.S., M.Si., Professor of Communication Studies and Agricultural Community Development at the Agribusiness Study Program, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
A Unique Background: From Pesantren, UI History, to UIN Agribusiness Pioneer
Prof. Maman’s academic journey is far from linear. Starting with an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) background, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in History at Universitas Indonesia (UI). After a stint in journalism and participating in an agricultural training program in Japan, he pursued his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at IPB University, specializing in Rural Development Communication and Agricultural Extension.
This multidisciplinary background made him a key figure in pioneering the Agribusiness Study Program at UIN Jakarta. He previously served as the first Secretary of the Study Program, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the first Head of the Master’s Program in Agribusiness at UIN Jakarta.
“Because my background is rooted in pesantren, my perspective on agribusiness is heavily influenced by an Islamic perspective how to practically merge science and Islam,” Prof. Maman explained.
Regeneration Alarm: The “Non-Commitment Zone” Among Young Farmers
Based on field research in the major rice-producing region of Cianjur, West Java, Prof. Maman uncovered a crucial reality regarding the future of agricultural land. The majority of farmers children exist in a “non-commitment zone toward land”. They do not explicitly refuse farming, yet they lack the commitment to continue their parents agricultural livelihoods.
This situation is exacerbated by land conversion pressures driven by infrastructure development and real estate expansion. Currently, the population of young farmers in Indonesia accounts for less than 0.1%.
“The sustainability of our agricultural sector is under severe threat. Without systematic efforts to reignite youth interest, a farmer regeneration crisis will become an unavoidable reality,” he emphasized.
Islamic Agribusiness Solutions: Emulating Prophet Muhammad's Food Strategy
As an expert in Islamic-based agribusiness, Prof. Maman proposes an Islamic Agribusiness approach to address food security challenges. In his view, food provision should not be treated solely as an individual farmer's burden, but as a state responsibility.
He highlighted the historical model established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after the Battle of Khaibar:
- State Food Centers: The state manages productive land as national food supply hubs.
- Profit-Sharing Partnerships (Al-Musaqah): Partnering with local farmers through fair profit-sharing arrangements so farmers do not lose their livelihoods.
- Cutting Supply Chains: Directly controlling distribution to prevent monopolistic or oligopolistic practices by intermediaries that harm both farmers and consumers.
Implementing this concept creates market equilibrium and stabilizes national food prices.
Transforming Traditional Farming into an AI-Powered Future Business
To attract the younger generation, Prof. Maman underscores the importance of shifting agriculture’s image away from “dirty field work” toward a modern, tech-driven industry.
Research shows that youth are generally reluctant to engage in heavy on-farm maintenance tasks, yet they show strong enthusiasm for post-harvest processing, packaging, and marketing (off-farm).
Therefore, agribusiness modernization must include:
- Advanced Technology Integration: Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation in cultivation processes.
- Value-Added Processing: Promoting product diversification to extend the business value chain and boost profitability.
- Modern Supply Chain Management: Utilizing digital technology to connect producers directly to the market.
“If young people see tangible business opportunities backed by advanced technology, who wouldn't want to join? Agribusiness is a strategic sector for the future that combines science, technology, and Islamic values,” Prof. Maman concluded.