The Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu held a Public Lecture and New Student Reception on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The activity, which took place in the DIKLAT Room 24 GKB I of the University of Bengkulu, was attended by 117 new students as part of the series of Introduction to New Student Campus Life (PKKMB) of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu.

The event took place with great enthusiasm and was attended by the leaders of the Faculty of Agriculture, Heads of Departments, lecturers, education staff of the Department of Agricultural Technology, and students who are members of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Student Association (HIMATIN). This activity aims to introduce the academic environment, organizational culture, and various self-development opportunities that students can participate in while studying at the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program.

At the beginning of the activity, new students received a direct welcome from the leadership of the Faculty of Agriculture, namely Prof. Dr. Ir. Suharyanto, S.Pt., M.Si. as the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Heri Dwi Putranto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Hesti Pujiawati, S.P., M.Si. as Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation. The presence of faculty leaders is a form of support and motivation for new students to start their academic journey with enthusiasm, integrity, and achievements. The activity then continued with a group photo session as a symbol of the official welcome of the Faculty of Agriculture family to the students of the class of 2026.

Entering the public lecture session, the first material was delivered by Dr. Yessy Rosalina, S.T.P., M.Si., as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Technology, regarding the Introduction of Lecturers, Education Personnel, and Laboratories of the Department of Agricultural Technology. On this occasion, students were introduced to the organizational structure of the department, lecturers’ areas of expertise, laboratory facilities, and various academic services that will support the learning process during the study period.

The second material was delivered by Dr. Evanila Silvia, S.T.P., M.Si., as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Technology, through a public lecture themed Introduction to the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program. Students obtain information about the vision and mission of the study program, the Outcome-Based Education (OBE)-based curriculum, graduate profiles, competencies to be developed, and various career opportunities and further studies for Agricultural Industrial Technology graduates.

Furthermore, Dr. Zulman Efendi, S.T.P., M.Sc., as the Head of the Agricultural Technology Laboratory, delivered material on Introduction to the Agricultural Technology Laboratory: SOP Practicum and Research. In his presentation, laboratory rules, occupational safety procedures (K3), practicum operational standards, and research implementation ethics were explained as a provision for students before entering practicum activities in the laboratory.

The next session presented inspiration from outstanding students through the presentation of the 2026 Entrepreneurial Student Assistance (BMW) funding recipients. The material was delivered by Audi Pratiwi and Muhammad Fauzan Syafiq who shared their experiences about the process of participating in the BMW program, starting from the preparation of proposals, the development of business ideas, to the benefits obtained after successfully obtaining funding. The Audi Pratiwi team together with Jandini Lahillasthira and Naswa Nurfitri Ramadani introduced a business entitled “Rafflesia Heritage Outer”, a creative fashion product that raises the cultural richness and local identity of Bengkulu. The innovation is expected not only to be a medium for promoting regional culture, but also to have high economic value and competitiveness in the creative industry. Meanwhile, the team of Muhammad Fauzan Syafiq together with Haikal Akbar Kurnia and Muhammad Ripaldo Aldion presented the business “FISH BITE: Ready-to-Eat Layur Fish Brains Based on Kecombrang Biopreservatives”. This innovative product offers ready-to-eat food made from layur fish by utilizing natural biopreservatives from kecombrang, thereby producing products that are more practical, value-added, healthy, and support sustainable food development.

In closing, the General Chairman of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Student Association (HIMATIN), Muhammad Riko, introduced student organizations to new students. In his presentation, the role of HIMATIN as a forum for developing leadership, creativity, and student networks through various academic and non-academic activities was explained. In addition, various achievements that have been achieved by HIMATIN members and organizations at the university, regional, and national levels were also conveyed as motivation for new students to actively organize and develop their potential.

Through this public lecture and welcoming activity, it is hoped that new students of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program of the University of Bengkulu can get to know the academic environment better, understand the learning culture in higher education, and be motivated to become active, innovative, achiever, and ready to contribute to the sustainable development of agricultural industry technology.