Advancing Business Ecosystem Innovation, Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang and IPB Sign MoU for Economic Empowerment and Community Support

Emphasizing their dedication to making positive contributions and preserving local wisdom, Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, a signature souvenir of Bogor City and a product of PT Agrinesia Raya, and IPB University, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote an innovative business ecosystem based on economic empowerment and community support.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, SP, Msi, Rector of IPB University, along with his team, and Rizka Wahyu Romadhona, Founder and Owner of Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, and her team. This MoU marks the commitment of Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang and IPB University to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of the rural community's economy on a larger scale.

This effort focuses on the development of agricultural products to improve the well-being of farmers and the establishment of a rural business ecosystem. In this context, the commodity to be developed is Taro, which is a signature product of Bogor and a key ingredient in Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang's products.

This collaboration offers a strong potential for mutual benefit. Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, as a key player in the Taro processing business, will gain better access to high-quality raw materials from local farmers. Meanwhile, Taro farmers will receive empowerment support through improved agricultural research practices from IPB University, training, and broader market access through this collaboration.

Furthermore, this collaboration also provides a platform called "Pojok UMKM IPB" (IPB's SME Corner), where products from SMEs under IPB's mentorship can be marketed and promoted in Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang's stores. Through this collaboration, both parties hope to create a self-reliant and sustainable rural business ecosystem.

Rizka Wahyu Romadhona, Founder and Owner of Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, stated, "The collaboration that has been established holds a special place for us. Taro, which may be considered a common food ingredient by many, carries significant meaning in the journey of Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang. Taro is a local raw material that marked the beginning of our initial steps, and it has led us to achieve numerous milestones."

"It is not merely a commodity; Taro, representing the local wisdom and distinctive local raw material of Bogor, has inspired us and provided opportunities for our growth. From its authenticity, we initiated our journey, and it is with this authenticity that we are committed to making more contributions and delivering positive benefits to the community, including Taro farmers, SMEs, consumers, and the wider society," Rizka added in her speech during the MoU signing ceremony held at the official Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang store in Dramaga on Wednesday (10/18).

Nanang Siswanto, Marketing Director of Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, stated, "With this collaboration, as a business that values local wisdom, we aim to contribute to positive change that can empower communities to become more competitive. At Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, we believe that successful business is not just about producing high-quality products but also about empowering the local community and maintaining sustainability in our surroundings."

"Furthermore, we will also collaborate with IPB University through the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development to support the empowerment of SMEs under IPB's mentorship, known as Pojok UMKM IPB. We will curate their products so that we can market them in Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang's stores. This is our concrete step towards empowering and supporting local economic growth, and we are enthusiastic about providing a platform for quality products from small and medium-sized entrepreneurs," Nanang added.

Prof. Dr. Arif Satria S.P, MSi, Rector of IPB University, said, "The collaboration between IPB University, which serves as a center of knowledge and research excellence, and Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang, a company with extensive industry experience, strong financial resource management capabilities, and solid infrastructure, creates a powerful synergy between education, research, and industry. IPB University brings deep knowledge, innovation, and a profound understanding of Taro cultivation and the production of high-quality Taro flour, while Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang offers practical insights, market access, and resources that support business growth. This collaboration is not just about filling gaps in the business ecosystem but also about creating a complementary ecosystem that, in turn, will provide maximum benefits to Taro farmers, local businesses, and the wider community."

In conclusion, through this collaboration, Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang and IPB University hope to create a lasting partnership between business, research, and the community. Lapis Bogor Sangkuriang believes that this shared spirit will help achieve greater goals and innovations in the future.