JHL Foundation awards scholarships to Universitas Bangka Belitung students

The JHL Foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 100 students at Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB) in Pangkalpinang. The initiative aims to encourage agricultural regeneration and attract younger generations to the farming sector.

Jerry Hermawan Lo, a member of the JHL Foundation's Board of Trustees, noted that Indonesia faces significant human resource challenges in agriculture. He highlighted that the majority of current farmers are over 45 years old, and approximately 80 percent have not completed elementary school. To build a more sustainable agricultural sector, Lo emphasized the urgent need for improved education and youth involvement.

As part of this effort, Lo proposed a collaboration between UBB and the Bangka Belitung Provincial Government through an Operational Cooperation (KSO) scheme. This plan involves managing approximately 1,000 hectares of land for 30 years to serve as an open agricultural laboratory for students.