From AI-powered irrigation systems to drone-assisted fertilisation, this year’ s INAGRITECH 2025 put agricultural technology in the spotlight. Held from Jul 29-31 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, the three-day event featured a range of showcases, including INAGRICHEM and Smart Farming Indonesia, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the future of farming across Southeast Asia. AGROBiz’ s ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO and FARISHA RAHMAN were at the scene, speaking with innovators, industry experts, and advocates for sustainable agriculture. From organic fertiliser manufacturers to farmer-focused education programmes, they uncovered stories that reflect the shifting landscape of Indonesian agriculture and its readiness to embrace innovation. Here are their stories.

� Over 700 companies from 25 countries showcased cutting-edge technologies.

� The exhibition featured smart farming, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, and modern irrigation solutions.

� Visitors explored product demonstrations and engaged with technical experts.

It also featured INAPALM Asia, SugarMach Indonesia, WATERTECH Indonesia, and Pump & Valves Indonesia, collaborating with Chemical Indonesia 2025 and its sub-events- INALAB, INACOATING, RubberMach Indonesia, and Food Manufacturing Indonesia. Collectively, they hosted more than 700 companies from 25 countries.

Hosted by GEM Indonesia, the event has evolved into one of the region’ s most influential trade platforms, not only showcasing products but also fostering international partnerships and addressing national agricultural challenges directly.

Compelling speeches from GEM Indonesia Director Baki Lee and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono marked the opening ceremony. Both leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment in modernising Indonesia’ s agricultural landscape.

THE BRIDGE

In his address, Lee reaffirmed GEM Indonesia’ s commitment to fostering industrial synergy and global business exchange:“ This event is more than an exhibition- it’ s a bridge for Indonesia to connect with global players in agri-tech, agrochemicals, and industrial innovation.”

This year’ s edition featured expanded international participation from Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Turkey, and showcased next-generation solutions in drones,

Sudaryono

greenhouses, biological pesticides, and smart fertilisers.

Lee highlighted how this reflects the increasing magnetism of the Indonesian market, saying:“ Our goal is not just to attract innovation but to build sustainable collaboration between nations, institutions, and the farming communities at the heart of our country.”

Sudaryono, in his keynote speech, underscored the nation’ s commitment to mechanising its agricultural sector.

“ Indonesia has the land and the resources— but what we need now is advanced technology and partnerships that can help us increase productivity and secure our food systems,” he said.

He also shared his personal experience receiving 30,000 WhatsApp messages from farmers across the archipelago in a single night.

“ I gave out my number during a field visit to Central Java. What followed was an overwhelming flood of messages- voices of our farmers asking for help. I realised that we had some challenges,” added Sudaryono.

Through this anecdote, he outlined four critical challenges in Indonesian agriculture: 1. Low-quality seeds – Farmers urgently need certified, highquality seeds across all crop types.

2. Lack of irrigation – In many regions, farmers are still dependent on rainfall, lacking access to modern water delivery systems such as pumps and piping.

3. Fertiliser shortages – Both the quantity and quality of fertilisers remain inconsistent and insufficient.

4. Unstable crop prices – During harvest seasons, oversupply causes market prices to crash, leaving farmers vulnerable.

“ These are not just problems,” he added.“ They’ re urgent calls to action. And I’ ve reported every one of them to Minister Amran and President Prabowo Subianto himself.”

INAGRICHEM’ S ROLE

Speaking with Mayra Sugandi, project manager of GEM Indonesia, it’ s clear that INAGRICHEM is rising to meet these challenges. This year’ s show featured advanced solutions from companies such as DJI Agriculture and XAG, with live drone demonstrations capturing the attention of attendees across the venue.

“ INAGRICHEM is no longer just about pesticides and fertilisers,” said Mayra.

“ Now it’ s about biotech, agridrones, greenhouse systems, and precision farming. We’ ve created a platform where government, business, and science can align their strategies for food security and innovation.”

Mayra also noted the strategic involvement of numerous stakeholders, including ministries, associations, universities, and international manufacturers. This, she said, would sustain the event for years to come:“ shared vision and continuous collaboration.”

AGRICULTURAL FUTURE

With Indonesia’ s population and food demand continuing to rise, the importance of platforms like INAGRITECH has never been more apparent. As both a showcase and a sounding board, it enables national challenges to be aired and, more importantly, addressed.

In the words of Sudaryono:“ Technology alone won’ t change agriculture. But when it is guided by the voices of farmers, backed by policy and supported by global industry- that’ s when real transformation begins.”- @ AGROBiz