The Sociology Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Jember successfully organized a public lecture titled “Industrial Agriculture and Rural Social Transformation: Strengthening Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Agricultural Sociology with BRIN” on Sunday (May 25, 2026). The event, conducted virtually via Zoom, featured Dr. Ir. Syahyuti, M.Si., a prominent researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), as the keynote speaker.
The lecture was attended by faculty members and students from the Sociology Study Program as part of an effort to strengthen Project-Based Learning (PBL) within agricultural sociology studies. The event also served as an academic forum to discuss the dynamics of industrial agriculture and its impact on the social life of rural communities in Indonesia.
In his presentation, Dr. Syahyuti explained that the development of industrial agriculture in Indonesia has undergone a major transformation since the Green Revolution era in the 1960s. According to him, while agricultural modernization has successfully boosted productivity and expanded rural connectivity to markets, it has conversely triggered various social issues. These include the marginalization of smallholders, shifts in rural social relations, and an increasing market-driven economic orientation.
“Agriculture is not just about production; it also encompasses social relations, culture, and the sustainability of rural communities. Therefore, the agricultural development approach must consider social and ecological aspects, rather than merely economic efficiency,” he explained.
The discussion was highly interactive, with students raising various questions regarding the future of small-scale farmers, the sustainability of the national food system, and the shifting of traditional social values, such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), amid the rise of industrial agriculture. Dr. Syahyuti emphasized the importance of an “Agro-Social System” approach as a middle ground between economic growth orientation and the social sustainability of rural communities.
In addition to enriching students’ academic insights, this public lecture was designed to support the field research activities of University of Jember Sociology students, particularly regarding social analysis in the agricultural sectors of Jember Regency. Students were encouraged to be more critical in understanding agricultural issues through sociological approaches and community-based qualitative research.
Through this initiative, the Sociology Study Program of FISIP, University of Jember, hopes to strengthen academic collaboration with BRIN while enhancing students’ capacity to comprehend rural social transformations amid modern agricultural development and the challenges of globalization.
The public lecture concluded with a shared commitment to continue academic discussions and collaboration between the Sociology Study Program of the University of Jember and BRIN in developing sustainable agricultural sociology studies.